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It’s that time of year again when the days in New England are much longer, hotter and humid. Leaving a pet in a hot car for only a few minutes without air-conditioning can spell disaster. The Dangers of Rising Temperatures A common misconception is that it's safe to leave a pet in a hot car for a few minutes, even with the windows cracked. The reality is temperatures can soar quicker than you think. According to the American Kennel Club, it doesn’t have to be super-hot for your car to heat up. On an 85-degree day, it can take as little as ten minutes—the time it takes to run a quick errand—for a car’s interior to soar over 100 degrees. At this point, the pet is already panting at a heavy rate and starting to have difficulty breathing. As the minutes tick away, they may experience restlessness, increased heart rate, drooling and a dark tongue. Other signs to look for are mild weakness, stupor, collapse, seizures, diarrhea and/or vomiting. Take Action If you witness an animal left in a hot car who is struggling, and the owner is not returning, the following what you can do in the state on Maine. As much as you feel compelled to rescue the pet yourself, you may want to hold off or you can face legal penalties. What you should do: Jot down the vehicles’ make, model and plate number. Call the local police, animal control officer, or locate a security guard in the shopping plaza. While waiting for an official to arrive, ask someone to stay by the vehicle to monitor the pet. Go into nearby businesses and request that store employees make an announcement to alert the pet’s owner of the emergency. Once the animal has been rescued from the car, be sure that they are taken to a cool location or provided air-conditioning, as well as cool water to drink making sure that the water isn’t too cold. Educate Maine law originally permitted only law enforcement and animal control officers to intervene in cases of animals left in hot vehicles. Today, that authority also extends to first responders—such as firefighters and EMS personnel—as well as licensed security guards, provided they follow legal protocols. While our ability to directly intervene in dangerous situations is limited, raising awareness about the risks of leaving pets in hot cars can make a real difference. If you come across a social media post on the topic, share it. If you have a friend or family member who often travels with their pet, start a conversation—ask if they ever leave Max alone in the car on warm days. Many pet owners still underestimate how dangerous it can be, even with the windows cracked and only for a few minutes. Conclusion Pets and hot cars are a dangerous combination—one that can quickly become life-threatening. That’s why it’s often safe to leave pets at home during warm weather. Unfortunately, not every pet owner understands the risk. If you spot an animal left alone in a vehicle, take the proper steps to report it. Your quick action could save a life.