Keep your pets safe from heat danger

So far this summer, Orange County Animal Services has responded to several cases of people leaving their pets in cars. Some of these cases turned out to be fatal, while others led to animal cruelty charges filed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s so frustrating and heartbreaking for our staff because it’s entirely preventable,” said Diane Summer, manager, Orange County Animal Services. “This area has so many options for pet boarding and daycare, so there’s no justification for risking your pet’s life by leaving them in a car.”

Here are a few tips for pet owners to help keep pets safe as temperatures soar:

Hot Days = Hot Cars

• Cars can get intensely hot, even on days Floridians may consider “cooler.”
• Car temperatures can jump 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. That temperature can increase by 40 to 50 degrees in just one hour.

Windows down? Still Risky!

• Partially or fully opened windows do not stop the car from getting dangerously hot.
• Pets can suffer heatstroke quickly, leading to organ damage or death.

Danger to Pets

• Pets are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans because they cannot cool down as easily.
• Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting and collapsing are all signs of heatstroke.

It is illegal!

• Leaving your pet in a hot car is against the law and can lead to fines, animal cruelty charges and/or your pet being taken away.
• Florida has a “Good Samaritan” law that allows concerned residents to break into a vehicle to rescue a pet in distress.

What can you do?

• Never leave your pet in a car, even for just a few minutes.
• Leave your pet at home where they are cool and safe.
• If you see a pet in distress in a hot car, call emergency services immediately.

Spread the word

• Educate others about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars.
• Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our furry friends.

To learn more about the dangers of animals being left in unoccupied cars, or for more information on how to identify animal abuse, go to www.orangecountyanimalservicesfl.net.