Pets Locked In Cars? What To Do
Cases of pets left in cars (either deliberately or by mistake) are ever on the rise. Have you ever left a pet inside a locked car at some point? As automotive locksmiths, we sometimes respond to emergency vehicle lockout situations involving pets. So we know a thing or two about such situations. Read to gain some insights on what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to leaving pets in cars, as well as what to do if you have a pet locked in a car that needs rescue.
Why people leave pets in cars
When people leave their pets in cars by mistake, it sometimes is a result of underestimating how long they will be out. They may leave their pet inside the car thinking they will only be gone for 5 minutes only to come back after 30 minutes or an hour. Other people carelessly forget that they had their pet in the car. In cases of deliberate abuse, some owners may leave their pets inside cars with no regard to the pet’s welfare simply because they can.
Should you leave a pet in a locked vehicle?
It is not okay to leave your dog or other pet inside the car alone unless it is an emergency situation and you are sure you will be back in about 5 minutes. And in such cases, it is important to take certain measures to ensure that your pet will be safe. These measures include:
• Leaving your contact details well displayed in case of emergency.
• Leaving your car’s air conditioning system on to keep the car’s inside from overheating.
• Leaving your windows slightly ajar to allow extra air circulation.
• Indicating that there is a pet inside the car to alert third parties such as tow companies and police.
How long can a dog survive in a locked car? Within 10 to 15 minutes the inside of your car can heat up considerably and cause serious mental damage to the pet. Prolonged isolation in the car can also cause stress and anxiety. In dire cases death can occur.
What to do if you see a pet left in a locked vehicle
Do you know what to do if there is a dog locked in a car? There are a number of things you can do to help. One, you can call the owner if a contact number is available. Two, you can call the police or animal control. You can also call an automotive locksmith.
Can you break a window to save a pet? If the pet in question appears to be in trouble and there is no sigh of help, you may choose to take matters into your own hands and break a window. This action is permitted in Arizona, among other key states.
Pet locked in car at home? Call an automotive locksmith
If your pet is accidentally locked in the car at home or some other place, you may want to call your locksmith in Tucson and ask for emergency help. Through an emergency locksmith service you can get your pet to safety within a short period of time while avoiding legal trouble. However this only applies if the locksmith service is available to come by immediately and you’re not putting your pet in harm’s way.
Please note: The law is quite clear about pet cruelty. Take any measures you can to avoid leaving a pet in a locked car. Call OR Locksmiths if you need an emergency auto lockout service.
