YOU SEE A PET IN TROUBLE IN A HOT CAR:
Follow these suggestions provided by Animal Control Officers
* Write down a description of the pet, the car, and the license plate number. Ask businesses to announce over a PA system that the guardian of the pet needs to return to the vehicle.
* If the guardian of the pet is not located or does not return to the vehicle, call 911. Provide the description of the pet, the car, and the license plate number and explain that there is a pet in a hot car.
Police dispatch will send an animal control officer or local law enforcement to the location. No matter how much you want to, do not open the car yourself.
* Animal Control requests that you stay in the area to help them more easily identify the location of the animal. However, they ask that you refrain from engaging the owner. Often officers called out to help a distressed animal must first deal with altercations between guardians and concerned citizens.
For your own safety and that of the pet, report the situation, be available for locating the animal, and avoid confrontation with the guardian.
Cancel the call if the person leaves before animal control can arrive.
* Learn the signs of heat exhaustion - restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
* If the dog shows any of these symptoms, move them to shade or air conditioning right away.
* Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck, and chest or immerse the animal in cool (not cold) water.
* Try to get them to drink cool water or lick ice cubes. * Take them directly to a veterinarian.
