"Be right back!" is all it takes.

When temperatures reach summer highs in Reno, Washoe County Regional Animal Services and the SPCA of Northern Nevada ask that animals are not left locked inside hot cars, even for a few minutes. 

Studies show that on an 80 degree day, the inside of a vehicle can head to 99 degrees within ten minutes. On a 90 degree day, the inside of a vehicle can reach 109 in only ten minutes.

“Dogs don’t have the ability to cool their bodies the same way humans do,” said Jill Vacchina Dobbs, executive director at the SPCA of Northern Nevada. “A pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation. We think it doesn’t happen in our dog-loving community, but it does.”

WCRAS receives an average of 600 calls for dogs or cats left in vehicles every 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. Even if they have to break a window to do it,” said Shyanne Shull, director at Washoe County Regional Animal Services.

During the hot summer months, remember:

  • When the temperature outside is 80 degrees, your car can heat to 99 degrees within 10 minutes.
  • When the temps outside are 90 degrees, your vehicle can heat to 109 in 10 minutes
  • Leaving a dog in the back of a truck can cause not only the dog to overheat but can burn the pads of his feet.
  • Limit exercise for your dog to early morning or late evening.
  • Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you.
  • Provide shade from the heat and sun with plenty of fresh, cold water. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they do not restrict air flow. Having only a doghouse is not enough.
  • Some signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness (staggering gait), lack of coordination, deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
  • Treat pets suffering from heatstroke: Move the pet to shade or air-conditioning immediately, apply cool towels to their belly, armpits and paws.  Let them drink cool water and take them to the veterinarian immediately.

What should I do if I see a pet unattended in a vehicle? Should I break the window?

Call for help immediately. Do not break a window unless the pet is in danger and you have completed all steps required by Nevada law.

Under Nevada law, a person who reasonably believes that conditions inside a vehicle pose a significant risk to a pet’s health or safety may use reasonable means to remove the pet without civil or criminal liability—but only when all legal requirements are followed.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

1. Call WCRAS immediately at 775-322-3647 (775-322-DOGS). Do not report this online! *WCRAS Dispatch is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 911 after hours.

2. Provide the vehicle’s location, license plate number and description, along with a description of the pet and its condition.

3. Check whether the vehicle is unlocked or whether there is another reasonable way to safely remove the pet.

4. If there is a nearby business, ask for an emergency announcement to be made using the vehicle’s descriptive information.

5. Return to the vehicle and wait for assistance. Do not confront the vehicle’s owner.

When is it legal to enter the vehicle?

Under Nevada law, a person may use reasonable means to remove a pet from a locked vehicle only after first contacting WCRAS, law enforcement, 911, or the fire department and requesting assistance, and only if they reasonably believe the conditions pose a significant risk to the pet’s health or safety.

If you remove the pet, you must:

  • Use only the reasonable force necessary.
  • Move the pet to a safe location nearby.
  • Stay with the pet until emergency responders arrive and tell you that you may leave.
  • Cooperate with responding authorities.

Breaking a window should always be a last resort when a pet is in immediate danger and cannot safely wait for emergency responders.

Animal Control Officers are authorized to take whatever action is necessary to rescue an endangered pet, including entering the vehicle or breaking a window when needed. Anyone who leaves a pet in a vehicle under dangerous conditions may face criminal charges, fines, and other legal consequences under Nevada law.

Spread the word and help prevent tragedy. Help us hang fliers! Download and print our Hot Cars Kill Prevention Poster here!

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