The Issue

  • Vehicles in the sun get hot at any time of the year.
  • A vehicle can get hot even with the windows down in a cool, shaded position – the clouds and sun can move quickly.
  • Leaving car windows down on an unattended vehicle is illegal and will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.
  • Vehicles are made of metal and glass – both heat up quickly and retain heat. Generally speaking, vehicles with larger glass surface areas (e.g. hatchbacks) heat up faster and to higher temperatures than similar-sized sedans.
  • Tray-back utilities can get extremely hot. Dogs travelling on the back of utes must be secured and have access to shade and water – preferably under a canopy.
  • Due to health regulations, dogs cannot enter shopping centres, unless in special circumstances and with prior agreement from management. (In an emergency, however, the cool air of a shopping centre may help save the life of an animal in distress.)
  • Dogs tied up unattended outside a car or building may present a risk to the public and may be at risk themselves (from cruelty, theft and weather conditions). You may also be in breach of local council laws.

Animal Welfare Alternatives

Do not risk your dog’s life in a hot car. Leave your dog (and other animals) at home with shade, shelter and access to fresh water.

If, as a last resort (or in an emergency) you need to have your dog with you, the RSPCA advises:

  • DON’T leave your dog inside a stationary vehicle, even with the windows down (locked or otherwise). Leaving car windows down on an unattended vehicle is illegal and will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.
  • On the back of a parked utility, DON’T leave your dog without access to water, shade and shelter.
  • DO leave your dog secured in a safe area in the shade outside the vehicle with access to water, and ideally under the supervision of a reliable person, if you have to leave the animal for a short time.
  • DO ensure sufficient ventilation while the car is moving (air conditioning, windows down safely) and that your dog, or its cage, is adequately restrained.
  • DO ensure your dog has regular access to cool, clean drinking water. More cool tips here.

Leaving an animal without appropriate water and shelter may constitute as an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001). 

How YOU Can Help

Most people that leave their pets unattended in a vehicle or on a ute are unaware of the dangers for their pet. The last thing a pet owner would want is to find out that their quick visit to the shops has cost them their pet’s life. 

You can help the RSPCA by spreading the word to family and friends of the dangers of leaving pets unattended in cars. Visit Just Six Minutes website to take the pledge to never leave your best friend behind.

Learn what to do if you find a dog suffering in a hot car here.