* Never leave your pet unattended in a parked or standing vehicle for any period of time. On a warm day, even 70 degrees or higher, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes, when in direct sunlight—even with the car windows partially open.  Do not rely on the shade of a tree or building as the sun shifts and could quickly cause the sun to beat on the vehicle.

 

* Vehicles are not like our homes, they do not have adequate insulation to protect and keep cool the inside of a vehicle and they actually absorb the outside heat.  On an average, in sunlight, the temperature inside of a vehicle can be 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. 

 

* Never rely on your vehicles air conditioning.  Vehicles, even new ones, can stall out or the A/C unit could cease to function.  This could put your animals’ welfare in immediate danger, as the A/C unit could start to blow warm/hot air. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures.

Below are the signs of Heat Exhaustion/Stroke and how to respond:

 

                       Be alert for the signs of heat stress—

                       Deep heavy panting, glazed eyes, red gums, swollen tongue, a rapid pulse, excessive saliva
                       or foaming, unsteadiness, staggering, Vomiting, loss of bowels or a deep red or purple tongue. 
                       Most severe signs are, loss of consciousness, non-responsiveness, shallow breathing or seizuring.

                       If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.

                       Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water

                       All over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.

                       Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet’s head, neck,

                       and chest only.

                       Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice

                       cubes.

                       Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian—it could save

                       your pet’s life.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local Animal Control Officer, Police, Sheriff, Constable or State Police Department immediately!

*Remember heat stroke or heat exhaustion can be caused in other ways also.  Limit jogging with your pet in hot weather particularly between 10:00am and 2:00pm. when temperatures are the warmest.  Limit extreme exercise or activities to shorter lengths and provide plenty of cool, potable water at all times.  Remember, older animals and very young animals are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion or stroke. *

Vermont State Statute: Title 13 § 386. Confinement of animals in vehicles.

(a)      A person shall not leave an animal unattended in a standing or parked motor            vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health or safety of the animal.

(b)      Any humane officer or member of a fire or rescue service may use reasonable force to remove any such animal from a motor vehicle.   The officer so removing an animal shall deliver the animal to a humane society, veterinarian, or town or municipal pound.   If the owner of the animal cannot be found, the officer shall place a written note in the vehicle, bearing the name of the officer and the department and address where the animal may be claimed.   The owner shall be liable for reasonable expenses, and a lein may be placed on the animal for these expenses.   The officer may not be held liable for criminal or civil liability for any damage resulting from actions taken under subsection (a) of this section.

(c)      Failure to comply with subsection (a) of this section is a violation of subdivision 352(a)(3) of this title.- Added 1989, No.270 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.

Title 13 § 352(a)(3).   Cruelty to Animals.

          A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person:

(3)      ties, tethers, or restrains an animal, either pet or livestock, in a manner that is inhumane and detrimental to its welfare.   Livestock and poultry husbandry practices are exempted;

Title 13 § 353.   Degree of offence; sentencing upon conviction

(a)     Penalties

(1)   Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection( for 352 (5) and (6)), cruelty to animals under section 352 of this title shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or both.   Second and subsequent convictions shall be punishable by a sentence of imprisonment of not more than two years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or both.

 If you must take your pet with you in your car, do so safely.  Cats should ride in pet carriers, and dogs should ride in travel crates, And only come with you if you know you will be able to take them out of the car and accompany you during your travels. When a pet travels, they should wear two ID tags—one with a home address and one with a destination address and cell phone number, if you are carrying one with you. Don't forget, when traveling a current rabies tag and licensing tag are affixed to your dogs collar and you must travel with this same current paper documentation from a licensed vet, verifying your pet to be healthy and current on it's vaccines.