‘Too Hot for Spot': Animal Rescue League warns pet owners about the dangers of hot cars

BOSTON — The Animal Rescue League is reminding pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars.

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The organization launched its annual safety campaign, “Too Hot for Spot”, to remind pet owners of the consequences that can occur from leaving pets in cars, even if for a short period of time.

“During warm weather months, we typically see animals being left in hot cars at beaches, near bike trails, and other parking lots associated with summer. However this year, we worry we will see more instances of animals being left in hot cars in places that many of us frequent while doing our daily errands. . . But in the world we are now living in, the reality is that trips to these places are going to take longer,” said the ARL in a press release.

As places take extra steps to disinfect and limit the number of people inside at once, daily errands take longer, and leaving your pet in the car for even a short period of time could be deadly.

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Animals cannot cool their bodies like humans and temperatures inside a vehicle can rise well over 100 degrees on a hot day.

It is also illegal in the state. Chapter 140, section 174F of Massachusetts General Law prohibits the confinement of any animal in a motor vehicle when extreme heat or cold could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal.

The ARL recommends these tips for your pet on hot days:

Leave your pet at home
Set them in a cool, humidity and temperature-controlled room
Give them plenty of water
Limit their outdoor exercise to the morning or evening hours when it is coolest
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car - even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked

For more information on the “Too Hot for Spot” campaign and how to keep your pet safe in hot weather, click here.