Dogs die in hot cars - don't risk their lives

The repeated warning from New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity follows a recent incident where a dog was found suffering in a hot car despite clear signs of heat stress.

SPCA Inspectors responded to a call in the Wellington region earlier this year, regarding a dog left in a car for at least an hour. The vehicle was parked in full sun, and although the outside temperature was 22°C, the temperature inside the car was significantly higher. The large crossbreed dog was found panting heavily, drooling, and seeking shade in the footwell, which are clear signs of heat distress.

Despite the windows being cracked slightly, the car was locked and the dog was visibly suffering. The Inspector attempted to contact the owner via the car registration details, but there was no matching dog owner information available.

After unsuccessful attempts to find the owner at nearby houses, the inspector made the call to remove the dog from the car. Just as she was about to do so, the owner showed up and reluctantly opened the vehicle but showed no concern for the dog’s condition. He said the dog “was fine” even though it was making clear attempts to get out once the door was open.

The Inspector managed to give the dog some water, which it drank eagerly, draining the bowl quickly. The owner then returned the dog to the hot car and drove away. The vehicle returned briefly, with the dog still inside and visibly panting.

The owner was issued a $300 infringement fee and was educated on the risks of leaving their dog in the car on hot days.

SPCA is reminding the public that even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly. On a 21°C Day, a car parked in the shade with windows down can reach over 31°C in just ten minutes, and over 40°C in thirty minutes. On hotter days, temperatures inside vehicles can exceed 50°C – conditions that can cause irreparable brain damage, organ failure, or death.

Dogs cannot cool themselves effectively in enclosed spaces. Panting alone is not enough. Parking in the shade or cracking windows does little to reduce the risk.

SPCA receives hundreds of calls every summer about dogs left in hot cars – a preventable and heartbreaking welfare issue. “You wouldn’t leave a child in a hot car,” says SPCA Todd Westwood. “Please do the same for your furry family members.”

“If you can’t be without them, take them in the car in the evenings or in the early morning when the weather is cooler, or leave them at home in the shade. If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, speak to friends or family who may be able to care for them when you need to pop out.”

If you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle, call SPCA on 0800 SPCA NZ or contact the Police immediately. Do not attempt to break the window yourself, as this can pose risks to both you and the animal.

SPCA has created downloadable posters, flyers, and social media tiles to help raise awareness.