🚗 Dogs in Hot Cars Laws by State
A car parked in 80°F heat can pass 100°F inside within ten minutes. Many states make leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle an offence, and some protect a bystander who breaks a window to rescue it — usually only after calling 911.
| State | Status | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No specific state law | Alabama has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Alaska | No specific state law | Alaska has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Arizona | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Arizona protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence. Animals covered: An animal ("animal" means a mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian) For the purposes of 12-558.02, "domestic animal" means a dog, a cat or another animal that is domesticated and kept as a household pet. Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor | A.R.S. § 13-2910; A.R.S. 12-558.02 |
| Arkansas | No specific state law | Arkansas has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| California | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | California protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence. Animals covered: An animal Penalty: First conviction: fine not exceeding $100 per animal. If the animal suffers great bodily injury, a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by both. Any subsequent violation of this section, regardless of injury to the animal, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by both. | Cal. Penal Code § 597.7; West's Ann.Cal.Civ.Code § 43.100 |
| Colorado | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Colorado protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence. Animals covered: "Animal" defined as cat or dog. Law specifically excludes livestock | C.R.S.A. 13-21-108.4, C.R.S.A. 18-1-706.5 |
| Connecticut | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Connecticut protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: "Animal" which is undefined in the law | C. G. S. A. § 52-557u |
| Delaware | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Delaware. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: An animal (does not include fish, crustacea or molluska) Penalty: Class A Misdemeanor | 11 Del.C. § 1325(b)(6) |
| District of Columbia | Law in place — only officials may rescue | The District’s animal care law covers animals removed from vehicles by animal control officers, firefighters or police; a removed animal is impounded and given medical care if needed. There is no protection for bystanders who break in — call 911. | D.C. Act 22-137 (Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017) |
| Florida | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Florida protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: “Domestic animal” means a dog, cat, or other animal that is domesticated and may be kept as a household pet. The term does not include livestock or other farm animals. | West's F. S. A. § 768.139 |
| Georgia | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: "Pet" meaning any domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the household of its owner. | Ga. Code Ann., § 35-1-7 |
| Hawaii | No specific state law | Hawaii has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Idaho | No specific state law | Idaho has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Illinois | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Illinois. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Any animal Penalty: A person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a Class B misdemeanor. | 510 ILCS 70/7.1 |
| Indiana | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Indiana protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. The rescuer may owe the owner half the cost of the damage. Animals covered: "Domestic animal" means dog, cat, or other vertebrate animal that is kept or intended as a household pet. Does not include livestock | I.C. 34-30-30-1 - 4 |
| Iowa | No specific state law | Iowa has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Kansas | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Kansas protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: "Domestic animal" means a dog, cat or other animal that is domesticated and may be kept as a household pet. Domestic animal does not include livestock, as defined in K.S.A. 47-1001 or other farm animals. | K. S. A. 60-5401 |
| Kentucky | No specific state law | Kentucky has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Louisiana | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Louisiana protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: "Animal” means any cat or dog kept for pleasure, companionship, or other purposes that are not purely commercial | LSA-R.S. 37:1738.1 |
| Maine | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Maine. Only officials such as police, animal control, firefighters or licensed security guards are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: An animal Penalty: While a penalty is not provided in the law, the owner may claim an animal removed from a vehicle only after payment of all charges that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment and impoundment of the animal. | 7 M. R. S. A. 4011; 7 MRSA § 4019 |
| Maryland | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Maryland. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Cat or dog Penalty: Per District Court of Maryland District page that outlines citations for violations of Motor Vehicle Code: Fine of $70.00 (see § 21-1004.1 on page 55). | MD Code, Transportation,§ 21-1004.1 |
| Massachusetts | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Massachusetts protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence. Animals covered: An animal Penalty: Civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $150 for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $300 for a second offense and by a fine of not more than $500 for a third or subsequent offense. | M.G.L.A. 140 § 174F |
| Michigan | No specific state law | Michigan has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Minnesota | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Minnesota. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Cat or dog Penalty: Petty misdemeanor: a person who violates this subdivision is subject to a fine of $25. | M.S.A. § 346.57 |
| Mississippi | No specific state law | Mississippi has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Missouri | No specific state law | Missouri has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Montana | No specific state law | Montana has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Nebraska | No specific state law | Nebraska has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Nevada | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Nevada. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Cat or dog Penalty: A cat or dog that is removed from a motor vehicle under the law is deemed to be an animal being treated cruelly for the purposes of NRS 574.055. A person who violates a provision of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor. | N.R.S. 574.195 |
| New Hampshire | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in New Hampshire. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: "Animal" means a domestic animal, household pet, or wild animal held in captivity Penalty: Misdemeanor as set forth in RSA 644:8 (misdemeanor for a first offense, and of a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense). | N.H. Rev. Stat. 644:8-aa |
| New Jersey | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in New Jersey. The law has no specific rescue provision for bystanders — call 911 or animal control if you see an animal in distress. Animals covered: A living animal or creature Penalty: Shall forfeit and pay a sum to be sued for and recovered, with costs, in a civil action by any person in the name of the municipality or county wherein the defendant resides or where the offense was committed: a sum of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000. | N.J.S.A. 4:22-26 (subsection (c)); NJSA 4:22-17.4(a); NJSA 4:22-17.5(c)(3); NJSA 4:22-17.7(b) |
| New Mexico | No specific state law | New Mexico has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| New York | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in New York. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Companion animal Penalty: Any person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a violation: 1st offense - fine of not less than $50 not more than $100 2nd offense – fine of not less than $100 not more than $250 | NY Agri. & Mkts. § 353-d |
| North Carolina | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in North Carolina. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: As used in this section, the term “animal” includes every living vertebrate in the classes Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia except human beings. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, or other livestock. | N.C.G.S.A. § 14-363.3 |
| North Dakota | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in North Dakota. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Dog or cat Penalty: Guilty of an infraction | NDCC, 36-21.2-12 |
| Ohio | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Ohio protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: Animal | R.C. § 959.133 |
| Oklahoma | No specific state law | Oklahoma has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Oregon | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Oregon protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: Domestic Animal | O. R. S. § 30.813 |
| Pennsylvania | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Dog or cat | 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 8340.3 |
| Rhode Island | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Rhode Island. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: “Animal” and “animals” means every living creature except a human being Penalty: Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or by a fine of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. | Gen. Laws, 1956, § 4-1-3.2 |
| South Carolina | No specific state law | South Carolina has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| South Dakota | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in South Dakota. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Cat, dog, or other small animal | S D C L § 40-1-36 |
| Tennessee | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Tennessee protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: Animal | T. C. A. § 29-34-209 |
| Texas | No specific state law | Texas has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Utah | No specific state law | Utah has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
| Vermont | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Vermont protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence. Animals covered: An animal Penalty: Failure to comply with subsection (a) of this section is a violation of subdivision 352(3) of this title (guilty of cruelty with a sentence of imprisonment of not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both). | 13 V.S.A. § 386; 12 V.S.A. § 5784 |
| Virginia | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Companion animal | Va. Code Ann. § 3.2-6504.1 |
| Washington | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in Washington. Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window. Animals covered: Any animal Penalty: Class 2 civil infraction | RCWA 16.52.340 |
| West Virginia | Law in place — only officials may rescue | Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions is an offence in West Virginia. The law has no specific rescue provision for bystanders — call 911 or animal control if you see an animal in distress. Animals covered: An animal Penalty: Guilty of a misdemeanor; upon conviction shall be fined not less than $300 nor more than $2000 or confined in jail not more than 6 months, or both. | W. Va. Code, § 61-8-19 |
| Wisconsin | Law in place — bystanders may rescue | Wisconsin protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Animals covered: “Domestic animal” means a dog, cat, or other animal that is domesticated and kept as a household pet, but does not include a farm animal. | W. S. A. 895.484 |
| Wyoming | No specific state law | Wyoming has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911. | Official text |
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General information, not legal advice. Laws change and local authorities often add stricter rules. Each row links to its source and was checked on the date shown at the top — confirm with your local authority or a lawyer before relying on it.