What to Do if You See a Dog in a Car on a Hot Day

Even on a seemingly mild day, the inside of a parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes. Dogs cannot cool themselves effectively in such heat, which can quickly lead to heatstroke and death. In the UK, seeing a dog locked in a hot car is an emergency — here’s what you should do.

1. Assess the situation immediately- Check if the dog is showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or unresponsiveness. Time is critical, so act quickly.

2. Try to locate the owner- If you are outside shops or other public places, ask staff to make an urgent announcement over the tannoy. Give details of the car’s make, model, colour, and registration.

3. Call for help- If the dog is in obvious distress and the owner cannot be found quickly, call 999 and ask for the police. You can also call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice, but in an emergency the police should be your first contact.

4. Know the law before breaking a window- You do not have an automatic legal right to break into a car to rescue a dog. However, under Section 5(2)(a) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, you may have a lawful excuse if you believe the owner would consent to the damage to save the dog’s life. You must be able to justify your actions as reasonable and proportionate, and you may still be asked to explain yourself in court.

If you decide to break a window:

• Call 999 first and tell them what you intend to do.

• Take videos or photos of the situation and the dog’s condition.

• Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.

  
  

5. After the dog is out- Move the dog to a shaded, cool area. Offer small amounts of water and wet their coat with cold water all over. If water is limited, focus especially on the neck, armpits, and groin area. Continue cooling them and call the vet. Cool the dog until help arrives or a vet says it is safe to bring them in.

6. Stay until help arrives- The dog will need veterinary attention even if they seem to recover. Remain at the scene to speak to the police or animal welfare officers.

Final thought-The safest place for a dog on a warm day is at home, not in a car. If you see a dog in danger, quick and informed action can save their life. Want to take your pet care skills to the next level? Book an in person or online course to get pet safety confident! Want to host for a group or team training? I can do that too! Send me a message today to see how you can stand out in your community as a course provider.