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As temperatures rise, it is crucial for our awareness of pet safety to rise as well. Residents of Illinois are required to give their pets adequate protection from weather under the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act. This includes requiring pet owners to provide their animals protection from extreme heat or extreme cold.

So, what do you do if you see an animal in distress during a hot summer day inside a vehicle? Can you act in response to a fear of a disregard of pet safety? As an Illinois resident you are NOT allowed to take matters into your own hands and rescue an animal. However, if you are concerned with an action that jeopardizes pet safety, you may call an animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or Department investigator. Each of these officials must first try to locate the owner of the vehicle or another person responsible. If they are unable to locate anyone then they do have the authority to enter the vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances.

However, the repercussions for endangering  pet safety and the life of your pet are high. Illinois residents who have deprived a pet of proper shelter can be faced with up to 30 days in jail or a hefty $500 fine.

Hot Dogs – Pet Safety for Man’s Best Friend

Dogs are far more likely to suffer from a heatstroke than most humans, because they are only able to sweat from their paws. Once the heat index reaches 90 degrees the inside of your car can easily exceed 120 degrees. Not only could this high heat kill a dog, but the owner will at the very least be charged with a misdemeanor. Nobody wants his or her pet to suffer or to see someone else’s pet suffer. This summer make sure to leave your pup at home if there’s any chance he will have to be left in an unconditioned vehicle. There is more to be concerned by than just dog bites!

Summer Pet Safety Outside

On top of parked cars being a dangerous place for pets, so is your own backyard. When temperatures reach 90 degrees it is crucial to provide a shaded area or to bring the pet inside. Pets need to be able to reach water and shade if they will be left outside for long periods of time on scorching hot days. Unfortunately, if you witness someone else’s pet being deprived of shade or water for a long period of time you may not enter their property to help the dog. Instead, first try to contact the owner by either a phone call or ring their doorbell. If they do not answer then it is proper to call the police or animal control. They will make sure that the animal is taken care of from there. Moral is nobody wants to see an animal suffering and by taking these precautions we can all work together to eliminate chances of endangering pet safety.