Looking for a Sign That It’s Too Hot for Spot? Here Are 7 of Them
There’s hardly a scarier thought than returning to your car to find your beloved child or dog either suffering from heatstroke or, worse, dead. It’s always important to be on high alert to prevent these tragedies, as at least 78 animals have died from heat-related illnesses and at least 175 animal companions have been rescued from hot cars in the last year alone. In addition, 71 children have died in hot cars since 2019, according to the National Safety Council.
While responsible guardians tend to know better than to leave their vulnerable animal or child alone in a parked vehicle—especially when it’s warm out—these tragedies often occur as a result of people rushing under the pressures of crammed schedules and a long list of errands and forgetting that their dependent is desperately waiting for them in the car.
PETA Is Helping Businesses Prevent Animals and Kids From Suffering in Hot Cars in Their Parking Lots
Visual reminders that trigger awareness and action in real time can be the difference between life and death. Research shows that visual cues are essential for keeping people proactive and alert. That’s exactly why PETA worked with the nation’s leading businesses—including real estate companies and supermarkets—to do their part in preventing horrific suffering. This year, we’re thrilled to award the corporations—including Phillips Edison & Company, Regency Centers, Vestar, Brookfield Asset Management, CVS, AutoZone, and Albertsons—that took heed of PETA’s advice by displaying warning signs in their parking lots and on store entrances across the U.S. or committed to making in-store announcements to remind drivers about the deadly dangers of hot cars.
What You Can Do to Protect Kids and Animals From Suffering in Hot Cars
As you walk in and out of a mall or grocery store or through any parking lot, always keep an eye out for any dogs or children who may have been left behind in a parked car. They need your help.
Never leave dogs or other animals in cars, even in mild temperatures.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes. Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs, because they can only cool themselves by panting.
Click on the link below to learn how you can help an animal in danger:
