"I'll only be five minutes." It is one of the most dangerous things a dog owner can say on a warm Australian day. Here is why you should never leave your dog alone in a parked car, what the law says in general terms, and what to do if you see a dog in a hot car.
How fast does a car heat up?
A parked car acts like a greenhouse. On a warm or sunny day, the temperature inside can climb far above the outside temperature within minutes, and much of that rise happens in the first ten to fifteen minutes. Leaving the windows down a little or parking in the shade does not make it safe.
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which works poorly in hot, still air. That makes them very vulnerable to heatstroke in a closed car.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
- Heavy, rapid panting
- Thick drool or a bright red tongue and gums
- Weakness, stumbling or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion or unresponsiveness
Heatstroke is an emergency. Move the dog to shade, cool them with cool (not ice-cold) water and get them to a vet immediately.
Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car in Australia?
Every Australian state and territory has animal welfare laws that make it an offence to cause an animal unnecessary harm or suffering, and leaving a dog in a hot car can fall under these laws. Several states also have specific rules about animals confined in vehicles and give police or inspectors powers to rescue them. Penalties can be significant. Because the details differ between states and change over time, check your state's animal welfare legislation or RSPCA for current rules.
For rules about how dogs must travel in a moving car, see our state-by-state guide to dog car travel laws.
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car
- Note the car's make, model, colour and registration.
- Ask nearby shops or venues to make an announcement to find the owner.
- If the dog looks distressed or the owner cannot be found quickly, call the police (000 in an emergency) or your local RSPCA.
- Stay with the car if you can, and follow the instructions you are given.
Better ways to run errands with your dog
- Leave your dog at home on hot days if you need to stop anywhere they cannot come in.
- Choose dog-friendly cafes and shops where your dog can come with you.
- Use drive-throughs and click-and-collect.
- Travel with a second person who can stay with the dog outside in the shade.
Keeping your dog cool while driving
- Run the air conditioning and check that cool air reaches the back seat.
- Use window shades for the rear windows.
- Carry water and offer it at stops.
- A mesh window on a back seat hammock helps air from the front vents reach your dog.
- Plan longer trips for cooler parts of the day.
Heading off on a longer drive? Read our tips for long car trips with your dog.
FAQ
Is it safe to leave a dog in the car with the windows down?
No. Opening the windows slightly does very little to stop the temperature rising inside a parked car.
Is it safe to leave a dog in the car with the engine and air conditioning running?
It is not recommended. Air conditioning can fail, and an unattended car with the engine running brings other risks.
What about cooler days?
Cars can still heat up quickly in the sun on mild days. The safest rule is not to leave your dog alone in a parked car at all.
This article is general information only. For current laws, check your state's legislation or RSPCA, and in an emergency call 000.