Many Laws State You Can't Break Into A Hot Car To Save A Dog, But Here's What You Can Do Instead

We hear the stories all too often.

Every single summer, people go to places — like grocery shopping, the bank, etc — and they leave their dog behind to wait for them in the HOT car.

Sometimes they crack the windows for them. Sometimes they keep the windows shut tight. It really doesn’t matter, it is STILL hella hot in that car!

It seems logical to leave your dog at home, especially when the outside temps soar into the 100s, but there are inevitably people who think it’s okay to leave their furry friend in the car.

Did you know that when the temp gets hot outside the car, the temperature INSIDE the car reaches unbelievable hot levels. You wouldn’t sit in a hot, closed up car — why would your dog want to do the same?

Many people don’t realize how quickly the interior of a car can heat up, even when a window is cracked or the car is parked in the shade. On a 70-degree day, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 90 degrees. On an 85-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for a car’s interior to top 100 degrees; in 30 minutes, the temperature can jump to 120 degrees.
ASPCA

Our gut reaction may be to break those windows, and save the pet from the literal hell.

But, in some states, it is actually against the law to bust out the windows of someone’s car to save an animal.

You may be acting to quickly get the dog out of that hot car, but you can actually get a ticket for doing so.

What Should You Do If You Come Across A Dog In A Hot Car?

According to WBKTFM in New York, there are a few things you should do if you come across a pup that is cooped up inside a hot car.

First, you want to call the police, and notify them of the situation. They are capable of doing things to get to the dog that won’t get you a ticket.

After you get off the phone with the police, you want to call a local animal shelter. They may be able to help either get to the dog, or take care of the pup once it’s out.