DANGER - Pets In Cars When They Should Not Be

​With Memorial weekend - the unofficial start of Summer, warm weather is upon us.  Finally!

 "Never leave your pets in a parked car.  Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. - Humane Society of the United States

In 14 states it is illegal to leave a pet in a locked car.  By leaving your pet in a car with the window cracked you also risk the possibility of the theft of the vehicle or animal.  If you encounter pets in an unattended car where they are at risk in a hot weather situation, you may try to locate the owner of the vehicle or call 9-1-1.  If you call 9-1-1, wait until help arrives before leaving the scene. ​

​Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has employed a very clever and eye catching campaign to warn pet owners about hot car dangers.  Two police vehicles have rotated in 11 different locations along the Grand Strand with a sign mounted and a stuffed dog inside.