What to do if you see a dog in a hot car

As we prepare to face more heatwaves throughout summer, the RSPCA is warning pet owners never to leave dogs in hot cars – and that “not long” is much too long.

Despite warnings every year, many owners still risk their pets’ lives by leaving them unattended in a vehicle in warm weather. So what can you do if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day?

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Check the animal – are they relaxed or distressed? 
• If the dog seems fairly content and isn’t in immediate danger then try to establish how long they have been unattended in the vehicle and note down the registration. Ask a member of staff to make a tannoy announcement to trace the owner but ask someone to stay with the dog and monitor them.
• If the dog is in distress or displaying any sign of heatstroke – such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting – call 999 immediately and request police. 
• If the situation becomes critical and police can’t attend, many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. Please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage. 
• Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.
• Once removed from the car, move the dog to a shaded/cool area and douse him with cool water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. 
• The dog should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.