A public safety message is urging people to be cautious about pets left in cars as temperatures continue to rise, warning that conditions can become dangerous within minutes.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in an online post, the message warns about the dangers of pets left in cars during extremely hot temperatures. It only takes a few minutes for a vehicle to become dangerously hot.
The post says, “Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, putting pets at serious risk of heat-related illness or death. If your pet can't come inside with you, please leave them safely at home.”
The Douglas County Sheriff’s post also reminded people that if they see a pet in distress inside a vehicle, to call 911 immediately.
(The Douglas County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
