Warm summer days in Bellingham and across the Pacific Northwest offer plenty of reasons to get outside with your dog. But there’s one place your pet should never be left—even for a few minutes: inside a parked car.
Even on a mild 70°F (21°C) day, temperatures inside a car can rise to over 90°F (32°C) within 10 minutes. Within an hour, the interior may exceed 110°F (43°C) or more—putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke, brain damage, or death.
Opening a window isn’t enough. Leaving the air conditioning on is unreliable. The safest choice is to leave your pet at home.
Why Pets Are So Vulnerable to Overheating
Unlike humans, dogs and cats have limited ability to regulate body temperature. They sweat only through their paw pads and primarily cool themselves by panting. In a sealed or poorly ventilated vehicle, this natural cooling system fails quickly—especially in warm or humid conditions.
Heatstroke in pets can develop rapidly, leading to organ failure, seizures, or death if not treated immediately.
What to Do If You See a Pet Left in a Hot Car (Washington State)
If you see an animal in distress inside a parked vehicle:
- Note the license plate, vehicle make, model, and colour.
- Try to locate the owner by notifying nearby businesses.
- Call 911 or your local law enforcement or animal control.
⚠️ Do not break the window yourself—unless specific conditions are met.
What the Law Says in Washington
As of 2025, it is a civil infraction in Washington state to leave an animal alone in a vehicle where it could be harmed due to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of water.
- Violators may be fined, and in serious cases, charged with animal cruelty.
- Only police and animal control officers currently have the legal authority to enter a vehicle to rescue a pet—unless the Good Samaritan conditions are met, see below.
New for 2025: Good Samaritan Law Takes Effect July 27, 2025
Thanks to House Bill 1046, beginning July 27, 2025, citizens in Washington will be protected from legal liability when they break into a vehicle to rescue a pet or vulnerable person—if ALL the following conditions are met:
- You must check that the car is locked and believe the animal is in imminent danger.
- You must call 911 before taking action.
- You must use no more force than necessary.
- You must stay with the animal until authorities arrive.
Until July 27, you must wait for law enforcement or animal control to respond unless a dire emergency forces immediate action and you’re willing to accept the legal risks.
🔗 Read more on the law from The Bellingham Herald
Recognizing Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
If a dog or cat has been left in a hot car, symptoms of heatstroke may include:
- Exaggerated or sudden absence of panting
- Rapid or erratic pulse
- Drooling or salivating
- Anxious expression or glassy eyes
- Muscle tremors or collapse
- Vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness
- Blue gums or tongue (cyanosis)
Cats may exhibit more subtle symptoms, so quiet or abnormal behaviour may still indicate distress.
What to Do if Your Pet Overheats
If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke:
- Move them to a cool, shaded area.
- Wet their body with cool (not ice-cold) water.
- Use a fan to promote evaporation.
- Offer small amounts of cool water to drink.
- Seek veterinary care immediately.
Time is critical. Heatstroke can cause permanent organ damage or death in minutes.
Emergency Care in Bellingham
If you suspect heatstroke, do not wait.
At our shared facility, BBVSH and Animal Emergency Care work together to provide comprehensive 24/7 emergency care—including stabilization, advanced diagnostics, and intensive treatment. Whether your pet arrives during the day or after-hours, our teams coordinate closely to ensure immediate, compassionate care.
Help Prevent Summer Tragedies
Keep a Pet Safety Kit in Your Vehicle
- Bottled water
- Collapsible bowl
- Towel (for soaking and cooling)
- Battery-powered fan
Spread the Word
- Share educational posts
- Talk to friends and neighbours
- Place a heat awareness decal on your car
The safest place for your pet during warm weather errands is at home.
When in doubt, leave them somewhere cool, shaded, and secure—and if you ever need emergency help, BBVSH Bellingham and Animal Emergency Care are here 24/7.
