Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Issue ‘Hot Cars' Advisory

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA has issued an advisory urging pet owners to exercise caution when leaving animals in cars even though the temperatures may not seem too hot.

Temperatures in the upper 60s can pose a threat to the health of pets inside a vehicle according to PHS/SPCA Communications Manager Buffy Martin-Tarbox.

"Even though the outside temperature was only 71 degrees, the temperate inside the vehicle was more than 90 degrees, which can cause a life-threatening situation for an animal," Tarbox said in a statement.

Short-nosed breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, younger and older pets or those who are overweight or have respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are among those especially susceptible to heat-related stress, Tarbox said.

"Cracked windows do little to alleviate extreme temperatures inside a vehicle, so it's best to leave pets at home instead of risking their safety," Tarbox said.

"On a day when it's 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can hit 90 degrees in just 10 minutes."

A California law went into effect in 2017 allowing people to break vehicle windows to rescue animals in hot cars if they're in imminent danger and the owner can't be found.

Those concerned about the safety of animals left in vehicles are encouraged to contact the PHS/SPCA or local law enforcement to rescue the animal from the car.

"The best safety measure to protect your animal against heat exhaustion, heatstroke or even death, is to leave your pet at home," Tarbox said.