"Be right back" is all it takes.  While temperatures rise reaching near triple digits in Reno and surrounding areas, Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS), alongside the SPCA of Northern Nevada launches "Hot Cars Kill Pets".

According to WCRAS, it only takes five minutes for a hot car to become deadly for your pets, even with a window cracked.

Studies show that on an 80-degree day, the inside of a car can become as hot as 99 degrees within 10 minutes.

On a 90-degree day like we have been experiencing in our region, the inside of a car can reach 109 degrees in only ten minutes. 

“Dogs don’t have the ability to cool their bodies the same way humans do,” said Jill Vacchina Dobbs, SPCA-NN Executive Director. “A pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation within a matter of minutes. Leaving a pet in your vehicle with the intention of coming right back could prove deadly for the animal." We think it doesn’t happen in our dog-loving community, but it does.”

According to the SPCA, some things to consider about your pets during periods of hot temperatures:

  • Leaving dogs in the back of a truck can not only cause them to overheat but can burn the pads on their feet.
  • Limit exercise to early morning or late evening. 
  • If you must keep them outside, provide them with shade, fresh cold water. Having a doghouse is not enough. 
  • Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness (staggering gait), lack of coordination, deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
  • If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to the shade or air-conditioning immediately, and apply cool towels to their belly, armpits and paws. Allow them to drink cool water and seek medical attention. 

WCRAS receives over 600 calls about animals inside hot cars each summer. 

“When it gets to the point where an animal’s well-being is threatened, animal services will take the necessary steps, as obligated by the law, to save an endangered animal by removing it from the vehicle, including breaking a car window if necessary,” said Shyanne Shull, Director at Washoe County Regional Animal Services. “Our goal is to prevent this from happening by getting this important message out to the public now as the weather warms up.” Additionally, it is illegal to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle during hot weather (NRS 202.487), and individuals who violate this can receive a fine of over $600. 

 If you see a pet in a hot car in distress, do not break the window, or confront the owner, it is illegal. 

Here's what you can immediately do to help save a pet's life: 

  • Call (775) 322-DOGS (775-322-3647)
  • Report the location, car description and the license plate number
  • Alert nearby businesses to the fact that there is a pet locked inside a hot car (they can make an emergency announcement inside the business)
  • Stay with the car until help arrives

Access the SPCA website by CLICKING HERE.