With another stretch of dangerous heat in the forecast, Lincoln Animal Control is reminding pet owners that high temperatures can quickly become life-threatening for animals left in vehicles or outdoors.
Animal Control Field Supervisor Nick Finelli says officers responded to 10 calls involving animals left inside vehicles between July 17 and July 20. While that was consistent with other summer weeks, those calls are treated as a top priority. “When we arrive, we’re looking at whether the vehicle is running, if it’s parked in direct sunlight or shade, whether the windows are open, the temperature inside the vehicle, whether the animal has access to water, and whether it’s showing signs of distress,” Finelli said.
Depending on the conditions, officers may issue citations or remove an animal if its safety is at risk. If someone spots a pet in apparent distress inside a vehicle, Finelli says they should call Animal Control immediately and, if possible, provide the vehicle’s license plate number so officers can begin identifying the owner while responding. Although Nebraska law provides legal protections in some situations for people who rescue animals from locked vehicles, Finelli says Animal Control asks residents to avoid breaking windows if officers can arrive quickly.
Officers are also responding to complaints about dogs left outside during extreme heat. Finelli says pets must always have access to fresh water and adequate shade, and officers will investigate reports of animals that appear to be suffering from heat exposure. In some cases, the response is educational. In more serious situations, citations may be issued or animals removed for their safety.
Finelli says one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is underestimating how quickly temperatures rise inside a parked vehicle. Even on a 75-degree day, he says temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to around 118 degrees within an hour. When outdoor temperatures reach 95 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can exceed 138 degrees. His advice is simple: leave pets at home during hot weather.
Pet owners should also watch for excessive panting, one of the earliest signs of heat stress, and avoid walking dogs on hot pavement. A simple test, Finelli says, is placing your hand on the concrete. “If it burns your hand, it’s more than likely going to burn your dog’s paws,” he said.
While older dogs and some breeds may be more susceptible to heat, Finelli says any dog can be at risk if temperatures are high. His biggest recommendation ahead of the upcoming heat wave is making sure pets always have access to fresh water, shade, and frequent supervision—and bringing them indoors whenever possible.