As summer approaches, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is once again launching its annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign to remind pet owners about the potentially deadly dangers of leaving animals inside parked vehicles.

During the warmer months, pets may be left in cars while their owners visit beaches, bike trails, grocery stores, banks, post offices, and other everyday destinations. It can be tempting to think, “I’ll only be gone for a few minutes,” but even a brief errand can take longer than expected, and a vehicle’s temperature can rise dangerously fast.

Even when the outside temperature is below 80 degrees and the windows are cracked, the inside of a parked vehicle can quickly heat to well over 100 degrees. Because animals cannot cool their bodies as efficiently as humans, they are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion, collapse, or seizures.

Leaving an animal confined inside a vehicle during extreme heat or cold may also violate Massachusetts law when the conditions threaten the animal’s health or safety.

ARL created the annual Too Hot for Spot® campaign to raise awareness of these preventable dangers. Sadly, animals continue to suffer—and sometimes die—each year after being left inside hot vehicles.

When temperatures rise, the safest choice is simple: Leave your pet at home. Keep them in a cool, temperature-controlled space with plenty of fresh water. Outdoor walks and exercise should be limited to the cooler morning and evening hours, and hot pavement should always be avoided.

A quick stop is never worth risking your pet’s life.

Learn more about summer pet safety.

What To Do If You See a Pet in a Hot Car

If you see an animal alone inside a parked vehicle on a warm day, don’t wait to act. Note the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate, then immediately contact your local police or animal control. If the animal appears to be in distress – excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy – call 911 right away. You can also alert nearby businesses, who may be able to make a public address announcement to help locate the owner.

More Summer Pet Safety Resources

Summer can bring additional risks for pets, from swimming and boating activities to sudden thunderstorms. Explore these additional safety tips to help keep your pet comfortable and protected throughout the season: