Many dog owners may ask, “Is it illegal to leave your dog in the car?” The answer to this question is not straightforward, as this can vary depending on state laws. Some states make it clearly illegal, while others rely on the general animal cruelty laws that apply to the situation.

Regardless, leaving your dog in the car is generally not a good practice. Aside from potentially violating the law and getting penalized, many risks are associated with it.

In this article, we will learn about the state laws regarding leaving your dog in the car. We’ll also know why dog owners practice leaving their pets in vehicles, the associated risks, and more, so keep reading.

How Long Can You Leave Your Dog in the Car?

There are no safe periods to leave your dog alone in the car since the conditions inside can quickly become dangerous and even lethal. An outside temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit can turn the vehicle’s interior temperature to 89 degrees in 10 minutes. This is hot enough to make your dog feel uncomfortable. 

Also, even if you think about leaving the windows down a crack, this does not decrease the rate of temperature rise. That said, err on the side of caution—avoid leaving your animal unattended in the car, regardless of the weather.

Common Reasons Why Owners Leave Dogs in the Car

Dog owners leave their dogs in the car for various reasons, often not fully understanding the possible risks. 

Below is a list of the common justifications for leaving a dog in the car:

  • Quick errands: Many dog owners think it’s harmless to leave a dog in the car for just a few minutes while they run an errand. They believe they’ll be back quickly enough to prevent any potential harm. 
  • Misjudging the weather: Some pet owners may also underestimate how quickly the car can heat up, even if it is a mild day. They may not realize that the temperature in the vehicle can soar to dangerous levels in just under 10 minutes.
  • Lack of awareness about risks: Many owners are unaware of the risks of leaving a canine in a hot vehicle. They may not know how quickly heat stroke can occur, especially for brachycephalic dog breeds or canines with respiratory issues.  
  • Assuming it’s safe for a short time: There’s a widespread misconception that leaving your dog in the car for just a few minutes is safe. However, it only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside the vehicle to skyrocket.
  • Believing cracked windows provide enough ventilation: Some owners also think that leaving the windows slightly open will keep the car cool enough. However, this is often insufficient in preventing heat buildup.
  • Unwillingness to leave the dog at home: Owners may also be reluctant about leaving their dogs at home alone, fearing that their pet will feel lonely or anxious.
  • Lack of pet-friendly options at the destination: When the destination does not accommodate pets, owners might feel compelled to leave their dogs in the car.  

Learning about the common reasons why dogs are left in the car can help address the issue and educate dog owners about the potential dangers of such practices, especially during sunny days. 

Risks of Leaving Dogs in Vehicles

A large dog left alone inside a car, the windows are left open a crack.

Below explores the dangers associated with leaving dogs in vehicles, from physical health concerns to legal repercussions:

  • Heatstroke: Dogs can only pant in response to heat. Unfortunately, this is insufficient in cooling themselves off, especially when the car’s temperature soars over 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The onset of heatstroke may show in just a few minutes.  
  • Dehydration: A dog in a hot car will experience losing most of their body fluid, resulting in dehydration. Some of the symptoms include dry gums, excessive panting, and lethargy. If it’s not treated immediately, this may lead to severe organ failure. 
  • Suffocation: An unattended dog may feel distressed due to insufficient fresh air or the increasing car temperature. It might try to move around frantically. In doing so, there’s a possibility of them getting entangled in objects like seat belts. This could lead to a situation where a dog could accidentally strangle or suffocate themselves.
  • Anxiety and stress: Being left alone in a hot car can cause anxiety and stress to your dog. This could result in long-term behavioral issues due to their negative association with the car. 
  • Hypothermia: A car can act as a refrigerator during the cold months. Hence, dogs not built for the winter may potentially suffer from hypothermia if left inside.  
  • Theft: Leaving your dog alone in the vehicle puts them in a vulnerable position of getting stolen by thieves. This happened in Washington when a French Bulldog puppy got stolen while sitting inside a parked car.
  • Legal consequences: Many states have laws against leaving dogs in cars, and you could face penalties or criminal charges for putting your pet’s life in danger. 

Many potential risks come with leaving your dog in the car. It’s best to bring them along with you or leave them at home where they can be safe and comfortable rather than subject them to unfortunate experiences. 

State Laws: Is It Illegal to Leave Your Dog in the Car?

The question, “Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car?” is valid, especially if it’s being thrown by someone who practices leaving their dog in the car. For the most part, the answer varies from state to state. However, 31 states have laws prohibiting owners from leaving an animal confined in a vehicle. 

Some of the laws enacted may specifically apply to dogs and cats only. In contrast, others use the term “animal” for more broad coverage of subjects to protect from negligence and poor animal ownership. 

In the subsequent sections, we’re detailing the states that make leaving dogs in the car illegal. 

Arizona 

The A.R.S. § 13-2910 states that it is illegal to leave an animal alone in a confined vehicle if the conditions could lead to physical harm or death of the animal. This generally refers to situations where the animal is left in the car without adequate ventilation or extreme temperatures that could cause heat stroke, dehydration, or other serious health complications.

People caught violating this law are charged with class 1 misdemeanor. 

California

The Cal. Penal Code § 597.7 also makes it illegal to leave or confine an animal in an unattended motor vehicle in any condition that can cause them disability, suffering, or death. 

The first conviction may result in a fine that doesn’t exceed $100. However, if the animal suffered great bodily injury, a fine not exceeding $500 is imposed or a no more than six months of jail time, or both. 

Another fine that doesn’t exceed $500, a jail time that doesn’t exceed six months or both is also charged for subsequent violations, regardless of the degree of injury the animal has sustained. 

Colorado

Colorado’s Sec. 18-9-202 finds it a violation if a person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence carries or confines an animal in a vehicle in a cruel or reckless manner.  

Connecticut

Connecticut allows people to break into a vehicle by force to remove a child or an animal from the motor vehicle, as stated in C. G. S. A. § 52-557u. This is if they have reasonable belief that the child or the animal’s life is in imminent danger.

Delaware

Delaware’s 11 Del.C. § 1325(b)(6) also strictly prohibits owners from leaving a companion animal unattended inside a standing or parked vehicle with a high or low temperature as this can endanger its safety and well-being. Violators are charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

Florida

Florida doesn’t particularly have a law prohibiting owners from leaving their dogs alone in their vehicles. However, passersby are given civil immunity from damage, as per the West’s F. S. A. § 768.139, to rescue animals trapped inside the car. 

This is if they believe that the animal is in danger and after they have notified law enforcement.  

Illinois

Illinois also banned leaving any animal inside vehicles through 510 ILCS 70/7.1. This is when they are subjected to potentially health-threatening situations, such as being exposed for a prolonged period in heat or cold without proper ventilation or means to get them protected from extreme temperatures. 

First-time violators are charged with a class C misdemeanor. Any subsequent charges change the penalty to class B misdemeanor.

Indiana

Indiana’s I.C. 34-30-30-1 – 4 allows civilians the immunity to any liability after forcibly entering a vehicle to rescue any domestic animal enclosed, believed to be suffering or in danger. The code further states that the rescuer will pay ½ of the damage caused unless liability is waived or they are any of the following:

  • Firefighter
  • Veterinarian
  • Animal control officers
  • Veterinarian assistant
  • Emergency responder
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Authorized humane officers
  • Government officer in charge of public safety

Kansas

Note that the Kansas state’s K. S. A. 60-5401 doesn’t particularly prohibit leaving animals unattended in the car. However, the code grants immunity from any liability toward the damage to the car caused after rescuing an animal believed to be in imminent danger. 

Louisiana

Leaving your dog in the car is not illegal in Louisiana. However, if an animal is seen inside your car and people believe it’s in distress, rescuers are given the immunity, under the LSA-R.S. 37:1738.1, to rescue it without being held liable for the car damages.

Maine

Maine has two codes that protect animals from danger while inside vehicles. The 7 M. R. S. A. 4011 states that anyone is guilty of animal cruelty if they confine an animal in a car, boat, building, enclosure, vehicle, or vessel of any kind in extreme temperatures that could be detrimental to its health.

This is further reinforced by the 7 MRSA § 4019 where an animal’s safety, health, and well-being appears in immediate danger due to heat or cold or the lack of ventilation, which could cause suffering or death.

There are no penalties provided in both laws. The owner may claim the animal only after settling all charges accrued due to maintenance, care, veterinary treatment, and impoundment of the said animal. 

Maryland

Maryland is specific about their animal law as the MD Code, Transportation,§ 21-1004.1 explicitly states that it’s prohibited to leave cats or dogs inside parked cars in a manner that endangers their safety or health. 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts also bans anyone from confining an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner where the situation could threaten the animal’s health due to exposure to heat or cold. This is outlined in M.G.L.A. 140 § 174F.

The first offense equals a fine not exceeding $150; the second offense, not more than $300; and subsequent offenses, not exceeding $500.

Minnesota

It’s also strictly prohibited in Minnesota’s M.S.A. § 346.57 to leave a cat or dog unattended in a vehicle in a manner where their health and safety are endangered. Violators of this subdivision are charged with petty misdemeanor and fined $25.

Nevada 

The N.R.S. 574.195 of Nevada makes it illegal for owners to leave their cats or dogs in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold or in any circumstance that could jeopardize their safety and health.

Note that the cat or dog removed from a vehicle under the law is considered a subject being treated cruelly for NRS 574.055. Violators of the provision of subsection 1 are guilty of a misdemeanor.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s N.H. Rev. Stat. 644:8-aa bans practices of leaving animals confined in unmanned vehicles or any other enclosed space where the temperature is too high or low to cause serious harm to the animal. 

Anyone caught violating this statute are charged with a misdemeanor for first-time violators. Subsequent violations result in a class B felony. These are outlined in RSA 644:8.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, leaving an animal or creature in a vehicle in inhumane or dangerous conditions is considered illegal. Leaving them unattended in a vehicle for a long time, reasonably knowing it poses a risk to their health and safety, is also prohibited, according to the NJSA 4:22-17.5(c)(3).

Protecting further the rights of animals, New Jersey strictly implements the NJSA 4:22-17.4(a) where a dog, domestic companion, or service animal confined in an area, room, or container that does not meet the set standards and requirements of a proper shelter is unideal. 

Any violator will have to pay a sum of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000 for the fine.

New York

It’s illegal in New York to confine an animal in a vehicle in great heat or cold without proper ventilation or protection from extreme temperatures where the companion animal is susceptible to serious injury or death. This is according to NY Agri. & Mkts. § 353-d.

First offenses entail a fine from $50 to $100, while the second offense ranges from $150 to $250.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s N.C.G.S.A. § 14-363.3 makes it clear that any person carrying or transporting an animal cruelly or inhumanely will be guilty of class 1 misdemeanor. 

The statute furthers its scope to animals confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that could cause injury, suffering, or death due to heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or any situations that could harm their well-being.

North Dakota

North Dakota imposed the NDCC, 36-21.2-12, stating it’s illegal to leave an unattended dog or a cat in a stationary or parked vehicle in a condition that can potentially put their safety and well-being at risk. People violating this statute will be guilty of infractions.

Ohio

Ohio doesn’t necessarily ban animals from being left in cars or any type of vehicle. However, if the animal inside is found in distress or in danger, the person rescuing it will be immune from any civil liability for any damage caused after forcibly entering the vehicle for the purpose of removing the distressed subject, as stated in the state’s R.C. § 959.133.  

Oregon

Oregon also allows individuals to remove any unattended domestic animal from an enclosed vehicle if they believe it’s suffering or is in imminent danger. They are immune from civil liability, per the O. R. S. § 30.813. 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 8340.3 also grants immunity to anyone who has caused damage to the vehicle or its contents if it was to remove a dog or cat believed to be suffering or in danger due to confinement.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island makes it illegal for anyone to confine any animal in a vehicle in a manner that threatens their safety and well-being due to prolonged exposure to heat or cold or the lack of proper ventilation. Anyone violating the Gen. Laws, 1956, § 4-1-3.2 are imprisoned for no longer than one year, fined an amount that doesn’t exceed $1,000, or both.

South Dakota

South Dakota also has a statute (S D C L § 40-1-36 ) that illegalizes leaving unattended animals in parked vehicles, which puts them in situations that could jeopardize their safety and health.

Tennessee

Tennessee grants any person immunity from civil liability for any damage due to forcibly entering a vehicle to remove a minor or animal from the vehicle. One of T. C. A. § 29-34-209’s conditions is that they believe the subjects in the car are in imminent danger. 

Vermont

Any individual is prohibited from leaving an animal in a vehicle in a manner that endangers them. The 13 V.S.A. § 386 grants any humane officer or fire and rescue team member to use enough force to remove the animal from the vehicle. 

Meanwhile, 12 V.S.A. § 5784 grants immunity for civil liability for damages to anyone who forcibly enters the vehicle to rescue the animal.

Virginia

Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6504.1 states that any law enforcement officer, emergency medical services personnel, animal control officer, or firefighter will not be held liable for property damage after forcibly entering a vehicle to remove an animal. That is unless the property damage occurred due to wanton misconduct or gross negligence.  

Washington

Leaving or confining an unattended animal in a vehicle in Washington is illegal. This is if the animal could be killed or harmed due to exposure to heat or cold or lack of proper ventilation or water. Violators caught doing this are charged with a class 2 civil infraction under RCWA 16.52.340.

West Virginia

West Virginia W. Va. Code, § 61-8-19 statute prohibits leaving animals in vehicles where they are likely to be harmed or killed. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor; upon conviction, they are fined not less than $300 but not more than $2,000. Or they are jailed without exceeding 6 months or receive both jail time and a fine. 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin grants immunity from civil liability to individuals for any damage they caused due to forcibly entering a vehicle to remove a minor or animal from the vehicle. One of W. S. A. 895.484’s conditions is that they believe the subjects in the car are in imminent danger. 

Note: Although only 31 states have specific laws about leaving animals confined in vehicles, all states have anti-animal cruelty laws that still apply. Even if there isn’t a specific law in your state, you could still face legal consequences under general animal cruelty statutes for leaving an animal in a hot car. 

Moreover, states that grant immunity to individuals rescuing distressed animals from vehicles typically have specific conditions that must be met for the immunity to be granted. 

These conditions often include:

  • Ensure that the vehicle is locked.
  • Attempt to locate the vehicle’s owner.
  • Verify that the animal is in immediate danger.
  • Use only the force necessary to enter the vehicle and rescue the animal.
  • Contact law enforcement officers or emergency services before entering the car.

How to Report if a Dog Is Left Alone in a Car

A small dog alone inside a vehicle with the car windows down.

If you spot a dog inside a vehicle showing signs of distress, acting promptly is important. Below is a guide you can follow to address the situation:

  • Inspect and monitor: Check if the vehicle is locked and if the dog is drooling excessively, panting heavily, unconscious, etc.
  • Collect important details: Gather information, like the car’s license plate, model, and color. 
  • Locate the owner: Look for the car’s owner by checking nearby establishments and stores. Make an announcement if you can to locate the owner faster. 
  • Call for help: If you can’t find the owner, contact animal control or call 911.
  • Monitor the dog’s condition: Wait for authorities to come. Meanwhile, stay close to the car and monitor the dog’s condition. 
  • Document the incident: Take photos or videos, as these can be helpful for authorities and any potential legal actions. Once they arrive, let them take care of the rest of the case.
  • Know the state laws: If the dog is in immediate danger and help is arriving, be aware of the legal implications of your next actions. Some states have the Good Samaritan laws that protect any person who intervenes in emergency cases.  
  • Break in and provide care: Minimize the damage if you must break into the car. Once the dog is out, provide care immediately.
  • Wait for authorities: Wait for help, be prepared to explain your actions, and provide any evidence you have collected. 

Preventative Measures

Many unfortunate things could happen if you leave your dog in the car. Keep your dog from being in an extreme health-threatening situation by doing any of the preventative measures discussed below:

  • Alternatives to leaving dogs in cars: If you are on a road trip, plan your destinations. Choose pet-friendly places so you don’t have to leave your dog in the car. If this is not possible, consider leaving your dog in an animal daycare. That, or you can hire a pet sitter while you’re away. 
  • Awareness campaigns: Distribute flyers and posters or use social media to spread awareness regarding the dangers of leaving dogs alone inside vehicles. 
  • Safety products: If you must leave the dog briefly, invest in a car alarm system that alerts you if the car’s interior temperature soars dangerously. You can also purchase cooling mats or car sunshades for your dog’s comfort. Still, leaving them unsupervised in the car is generally not advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Leave Your Dog in the Car in California

It is illegal to leave your dog in the car in California in conditions that compromise their safety and well-being. Doing so violates the Cal. Penal Code § 597.7. Depending on the case, You’ll receive a fine, jail time, or both.  

Can I Leave My Dog in the Car?

You shouldn’t leave your dog in the car, especially on a hot, sunny day. The car’s temperature can rise quickly in just a few minutes, putting your dog in a vulnerable position, regardless if the windows are cracked open. In some states, leaving a dog in the car is illegal and comes with penalties. 

How Long Can Dogs Survive in a Hot Vehicle?

The length of time dogs can survive in a hot car varies depending on the breed, age, and health condition. Generally, though, it can only take under 10 minutes for the dog to experience heat stroke symptoms, brain damage, or organ failure, especially if the interior temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Final Word

Knowing the answer to the question, “Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car,” it’s clear that the state laws aim to protect animals, particularly dogs, from harm and suffering. While the specifics may vary from state to state, the underlying principle is practically the same: the safety and well-being of your pet should always be a top priority. 

As a responsible dog owner, knowing the potential dangers and legal implications of leaving your dog in a car, especially in extreme weather conditions, is important. 

By taking precautions and making informed decisions, you can ensure the safety and happiness of your four-legged companion.

Key Takeaways

  • There are 31 states that have laws regarding leaving animals unattended in vehicles. 
  • All states in the United States have anti-animal cruelty laws that still apply regardless if a state doesn’t explicitly have a statute on leaving dogs in cars. 
  • Asking, “Is it illegal to leave your dog in the car?” reminds you to always prioritize your dog’s safety and avoid leaving them in potentially dangerous situations, such as a hot vehicle.