Above average temperatures could mean trouble for pets

The heat wave expected to hit the Central Coast could mean trouble for you and your four legged friends.

“We do get calls of pets left in vehicles. If we do believe the pet is in distress we are authorized to break the window and take the pet from that area,” said CHP Officer Oscar Loza.

The law states that the pet owner could then receive up to a $500 dollar fine and even six months in jail based on the condition of that animal. The Monterey County SPCA says those are very avoidable penalties.

“It’s generally best to leave them at home if you can. You know they are going to be comfortable and safe,” said SPCA Education and Outreach Coordinator Dawn Fenton.

There are ways to know if the temperature inside your car is safe for pets.

“A lot of pet stores carry them. It’s a window cling you stick in right inside your car. It will tell you right away what the temperature is and whether it’s safe for your pet to be in there. So this is a really helpful guide. It might be nice and cool outside, but in that car it can get warm very quickly,” said Fenton.

Even when parked in the shade, a car can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than outdoors.

“It all breaks down to common sense. You only want to leave your pet in the vehicle if the weather is reasonable and if it’s a reasonable amount of time,” said Loza.

According to CHP if you see an animal in distress it’s best to call 911 rather than take the matter into your own hands.

“You could face a civil lawsuit. It’s best to call 911 and let a law enforcement officer handle the situation,” said Loza.

“If you do see a dog in a hot car please empower yourself. Take down that license plate number, have them paged if they’re in a store. And if they don’t respond call 911 or the SPCA. We are going to respond right away to get that dog out of that situation,” said Fenton.