Extreme Heat Threatens Every Member of the Household
The safest place for your dog while you run errands is at home in the air conditioning.
A summer safety reminder for Northern Nevada pet owners.
Last month, Cabernet Watch examined the dangers of heat-related illness for people. This month, we turn to another vulnerable member of many households—our pets.
A heartbreaking incident in central Indiana provides a tragic reminder of how quickly a parked vehicle can become deadly for an animal.
On July 3, 2026, police responded to a restaurant in Cicero, Indiana, after two dogs were reportedly left unattended in a vehicle during 95-degree weather. One dog was pronounced dead at the scene. The second was taken to an animal hospital but later had to be euthanized. The owner was arrested, and animal-cruelty charges were filed.
Although this incident occurred hundreds of miles away, it carries an important warning for Northern Nevada. July and August are typically our hottest months, and even a brief stop for shopping, lunch or another errand can place a pet in serious danger.
A Cracked Window Is Not Enough
A parked vehicle can heat up with frightening speed. According to Washoe County Regional Animal Services, when the outside temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of a vehicle can exceed 110 degrees—even with the windows cracked.
Dogs do not regulate body temperature as efficiently as people. Once trapped inside a hot vehicle, a dog can quickly suffer heatstroke, brain damage or death.
Shade, cracked windows and a bowl of water do not make a parked vehicle safe.
Nevada Law Has Been Strengthened
Under Nevada Revised Statute 202.487 , a person may not leave a pet unattended in a parked or standing vehicle when extreme heat, cold or other conditions present a significant risk to the animal’s health and safety. A violation is a misdemeanor.
Nevada strengthened this law in 2025. Peace officers, animal-control officers, firefighters and certain other public-safety personnel may use reasonable means to protect and remove an endangered pet without civil or criminal liability.
The updated law also provides protections for other people who reasonably believe a pet is in danger, but only when specific legal requirements are followed. These include reporting the situation and requesting assistance before entering the vehicle, remaining with the animal in a safe location and cooperating with responding personnel.
The safest response is to call Washoe County Regional Animal Services immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
If You See a Pet in a Hot Vehicle
Washoe County Regional Animal Services recommends:
- Call Animal Services immediately at 775-322-3647 (775-322-DOGS). Do not submit an online report.
- Record the vehicle’s location, license plate number, make and model.
- Note the animal’s appearance and condition.
- Ask a nearby business to make an emergency announcement.
- Remain nearby in a safe location until help arrives.
- Do not confront the vehicle’s owner.
Animal Services responds immediately to hot-vehicle calls. Officers may break a window or take other necessary action to rescue an endangered animal. The owner may receive a fine exceeding $600.
The Safest Choice Is the Simplest
If your plans include shopping, dining or running errands, please leave your dog safely at home in the air conditioning.
No errand is short enough to justify the risk. Your dog depends on you to make the safe choice before leaving home.
Sources:
Nevada Revised Statute 202.487
Washoe County Regional Animal Services: Hot Cars Kill
Two Dogs Dead After Being Left in Hot Car
