Pets in hot cars

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
Media Advisory Rabies Clinic/MLH
August 11, 2009

Dog Days of Summer:
No Time for Pets to Be Left in Cars

As we’re experiencing the dog days of summer, Fairfax County’s Animal Shelter cautions pet owners not to leave their dogs in vehicles. After just a few minutes on a hot day, the temperature in a stationary vehicle can easily rise to 120 degrees, harming an animal if left inside. These temperatures can cause heat stroke and even death among pets left in cars exposed to the heat.

“Pets in a car have no way to escape the heat,” says Animal Shelter Director Dr. Karen Diviney. “Even with the window cracked open, temperatures can soar leaving pets vulnerable and in a life-threatening situation.”

Even running a quick errand into the grocery or a convenience store could pose a risk to pets. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter asks residents to leave pets at home during hot summer months. Check www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police for more information on pets in hot cars.

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

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