Don’t Leave Pets in Cars This Summer

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release/Pets in Cars/MLH
June 9, 2008

Animal Services Division Cautions Drivers:
Don’t Leave Pets in Cars This Summer

When the outside air temperature on Saturday, June 7 was 95 degrees Fahrenheit, Animal Control Officers rescued three dogs that had been left in cars in the extreme heat. Fortunately, all of the animals survived.

A temperature test performed on Saturday by the County’s Animal Services Division (ASD) revealed frightening results that could cause heat stroke and even death among pets left in cars exposed to the heat. After just 30 seconds on the 95 degree day, the temperature in a passenger car in a parking lot rose to 107.8 degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 minutes, the temperature had approached 117.5 degrees.

“Pets in a car have no way to escape the heat,” says Michael Lucas, ASD Acting Commander. “Even with the window cracked open, temperatures can soar leaving pets vulnerable and in a life-threatening situation.”

The Fairfax County Animal Services Division asks residents to leave pets at home during hot summer months.

People who leave a pet in a car on a hot day could be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor for animal cruelty under the Code of Virginia §3.1-796.122.

Temperature Test