The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 30 degrees in only 20 minutes, putting dogs left inside parked cars in danger of heat exhaustion. In Ohio, it’s not illegal to forcibly enter a vehicle to remove an animal in danger as long as certain steps are taken first. That’s why the veterinarians at Animal Care Center of Fairfield in Ohio encourage everyone to follow these steps if they see a dog in a hot car.

A Guide to Helping Pets Locked in Hot Cars

1. Make Sure There’s No Other Way to Remove the Dog

First, ensure the vehicle is locked and there’s no other way to safely remove the dog. Write down the license plate number and seek help from nearby businesses to verify the dog’s owners aren’t nearby.

2. Call the Police

If you can’t find the owner, call your local police department and ask for help. Many law enforcement agencies will respond quickly, but sometimes officers are too busy with other emergencies to arrive within a safe amount of time.

3. Forcibly Enter the Vehicle 

If more than 20 minutes have passed, protect your hands with gloves and find a tool, such as a screwdriver. Place the tool at the corner of a window far away from the animal and apply pressure. Try to do as little damage as possible. 

4. Leave a Note

Once the door is unlocked, remove the dog and leave a note on the windshield with your information and the reason the window was broken. 

5. Wait Until the Owner or Police Arrive

If possible, give the dog some fresh water to drink while you wait for law enforcement or the dog’s owner to return. Do not leave the vicinity with the pet unless it requires emergency veterinary care. 

If you encounter a dog suffering from heat exhaustion in Ohio, bring it to Animal Care Center of Fairfield day or night for emergency pet care. Their veterinarians also provide preventative care visits during regular business hours. Call (513) 829-6621 or visit their website for more information.