Pets locked in cars during warm weather: Guidelines and tips for animal lovers (including forceful entry)

In case you need a refresh on this MAJOR issue, or it’s your first time reading into it, AIA wants to lay out some pointers on summer safety and pets to keep in mind as responsible guardians! And we begin with the not uncommon situation of pets, usually dogs, left unattended in cars in warm weather. What actions are needed?

Summer is underway and heat waves surging across the United States, so even a bit of knowledge (and a tool or two) may come in handy!

Indeed, many pet owners are unaware of just how quickly a car can heat up, even with the windows down and at a comfortable temperature. For example, if it is 80 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 99 degrees in just ten minutes – shorter than your average trip to the store! Humans also have a much higher capacity for heat tolerance than dogs, due to our capacity to perspire: if it’s hot for you, then it’s even hotter for them.

Quick facts about pets in hot cars:

• An estimated 111 pets, most of them dogs, died in hot vehicles in the United States in 2024. 51 have already died in 2025, according to PETA.
• The number of animals rescued from hot vehicles has been increasing in recent years, in the United States and abroad: for example, in the United Kingdom, 11.2% of heatstroke cases in dogs were a result of confinement to a hot vehicle between 2022 and 2023, nearly double the 6.3% reported between 2016 and 2018.
• Dogs can die of heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.
• In non-fatal cases of heatstroke, the slightest change in body temperature can lead to permanent organ/brain damage for dogs.
• Nine states have good Samaritan Laws granting immunity to citizens who have forcibly entered a hot vehicle to rescue an animal.

AIA recommends using the following protocol in the case that such an emergency takes place (and check out the video links below):

What should I do if I see a dog locked in a hot car?

If time permits:

• Take note of the car’s characteristics (make, model, license plate number…).
• Take a picture/video of the dog in the car.
• Note the time at which you found the dog.
• Try to locate the owner of the car by reaching out to a store manager/security guard.
• Recruit other people nearby to help monitor the dog.

If the owner is not found within a few minutes, call police/animal control immediately (make sure the numbers of both are saved on your phone for easy access).

What tools do I need to rescue the dog from the car?

Because every minute counts, you may be faced with the necessity to break into the vehicle. In order to do so, you might want to pack the following things in your car:

• A window punch to safely break the window (can be purchased through the brand “resqme”) – other alternatives include objects like a pointed rock. Apply firm pressure to a corner of the side window which should shatter it. YouTube has examples on how to do this. Remember to break the window that is furthest away from the dog.
• A leash/towel to make sure the dog does not try to run away.
• Be prepared to control the animal to prevent running away – he or she may be very stressed and fearful.
• A bottle of cool (not cold, as dropping the dog’s body temperature too quickly can also be dangerous) water to wet the towel with.

If the dog has been safely removed from the car, try moving him or her to a cooler area (with shade if possible) and place dampened towels on its body. Focus on the dog’s head, neck, front and back legs, paw pads, and groin area. If the dog exhibits symptoms of heatstroke and/or seizure such as vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, loss of consciousness, muscle tremors (etc.), get them to the animal hospital as quickly as possible.

What if I can’t get the dog out of the car myself?

If you don’t think you will be able to break the window yourself for any reason, try to get as many other people involved as possible. Chances are, someone else will try instead. Remind people that time is of the essence. Ask if someone has a tool to use to break the window. Don’t be afraid to cause a scene! This will also make confronting the irresponsible owner much easier.

Will I get into legal trouble for breaking into another person’s car?

It is still possible to get into legal trouble for doing so, though Good Samaritan laws in several states protect citizens from criminal/civil liability. Always make sure to gather evidence (videos, photos…) and call the relevant authorities before acting. Documenting good faith efforts and the actual gravity of the situation should provide a measure of legal protection to you. And usually, dog rescuers are viewed as heroes and appreciated!

So just in case you encounter a dog locked in a hot car, you now know how to act. Once again, we suggest getting small window shattering devices (in addition to leashes) for each of your vehicles. Stay Cool!

Lori discusses dogs in hot cars including how to break a window in case of emergency:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOmOwwcU1Do

Short videos on breaking into hot cars with punches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqPnmeWNVT4
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P6RfmjNlrlg