As the weather warms, SPCA and local vets are pleading with pet owners not to leave their dogs unattended in their vehicles even for a few minutes, and that doing so could result in an instant $300 fine. 

Pets being left inside hot cars is one of the biggest preventable welfare issues during the summer months, and SPCA Chief Executive Andrea Midgen says it’s disappointing the message still isn’t getting through to some pet owners.   

“You wouldn’t leave a child unattended in a hot car, so I’m asking people to do the same for their furry family members. It’s pretty simple; if you love them, don’t leave them,” says Ms Midgen. 

“Always take your dog with you when you leave your vehicle, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and if you can’t do that, please keep them at home.”  

Between November 2020 and March 2021, SPCA received 339 welfare complaints relating to dogs being left unattended inside hot cars. 

It’s an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if it’s showing signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and is trying to seek shade. 

Pet owners whose dogs are found in this state can be issued with a $300 infringement notice, as well as the cost of repairing a window if SPCA’s Inspectors are forced to break it to rescue an animal trapped inside the car. 

Central Otago Vetlife Vet John Neskudla they see several cases of heat stroke every summer here in Central.

“We have lost patients to this preventable disease,” John says. “Heat stroke can quickly progress to brain damage and multiple organ failure. 

“We regularly see heat stroke from dogs left in hot cars, at the supermarket and other places around town. 

“We also see heat stroke in dogs that are over exercised during the hottest part of the day.  

“We have had patients collapse from heat exhaustion following long hikes on hot days, or when out with their owners who are biking. Every year we also see dogs with burns on their paws from walking on roads on hot days.”

Central Otago Vetlife Vet John Neskudla says they see several cases of pets with heat stroke in Central Otago every summer.

If you see a pet that you suspect has been left in a hot vehicle – contact the police or the SPCA immediately, John urges.

“Even with the windows down, the temperature in the car can rise very quickly, so if a pet is showing signs of distress such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilating – it is important to act quickly.”

 John says there are some telltale signs locals should watch out for in summer months in regards to pet and animal welfare. 

“Heat stroke in pets is avoidable in Central Otago. Pets should never be left in a hot car unattended even if the windows are down. 

“If you leave your car, take your dog with you; and if you can’t do that – leave them at home.  In the Summer months, exercise dogs in the morning or evening to avoid the excessive heat in the middle of the day. 

“Older dogs, puppies, and short-nosed breeds (such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Griffons) are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, and extra care must be taken to avoid the heat of the day with these animals.  

“Be aware of the surface temperature on roads and footpaths: place the back of your hand on the pavement and press down – if you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds or more, then it is too hot for paws.  

“At home people need to ensure their pets have access to shaded, cool areas during the day, and plenty of access to fresh water.  

“Freezing some boneless meat into a large block of ice can make for a fun and interactive treat on a hot day.”

When it's 21°C outside, temperatures in a car parked in the shade with the windows down can exceed 31°C in less than ten minutes. In 30 minutes, it goes up to 40°C. On a hot day, the temperature inside the vehicle can exceed 50°C.  

SPCA National Inspectorate Manager Alan Wilson says his team of Inspectors deal with this issue on a daily basis throughout summer and are frustrated by some people’s ignorance of the harm it can cause an animal.  

“Many of these cases involve people who love their dog like a family member and would never want to see them harmed, but they don’t seem to understand that the careless decision to leave their pet in the car for even a few minutes could result in tragedy,” says Mr Wilson. 

“We don’t want to see any animal suffer from something that’s totally avoidable, so please take your dog with you when you leave the car, or leave them at home.”   

People who are concerned about an animal that’s trapped in a hot vehicle should contact Police or SPCA immediately.