WASHINGTON—Pet owners should never leave their animals unattended in a parked car for any period of time, cautions The HSUS. On a warm, sunny day, the temperature in a parked car can reach dangerous levels, 120º in minutes, even with the car window partially open.

“A pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke when trapped in these high temperatures,” said Martha C. Armstrong, HSUS senior vice president for companion animals and equine protection. “Pets aren’t able to dispel heat as well as humans.”

In 2001, General Motors announced that it was working on a low-energy radar sensor sophisticated enough to detect motion as subtle as the breathing of an infant. The sensor would trigger a unique horn alarm if the temperature in the vehicle registered at a dangerous level and a living being such as a child or a pet was detected in the vehicle. According to GM officials, the radar sensor is slated for introduction by mid-decade. When available, it will be aimed at vans and full-size utilities.

While new technology can be a beneficial tool, it should never replace common sense, said Armstrong. In the vast majority of deaths, pet owners probably believe they are taking the necessary precautions, such as parking in a shady area and cracking the window so the animal will have fresh air.

“People take their pets in the car with them because they love them and enjoy their companionship,” Armstrong said. “Too often, people leave their pets in a parked car while they run an errand only to be devastated when they return to find their pets in extreme stress or, even worse, dead.”

If your pet is exposed to high temperatures:

• Be alert for signs of heat stress—heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.

• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.

o Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature.

o Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet’s head, neck and chest only.

o Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.

• Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian—it could save her life.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately. Leaving pets in cars also exposes them to theft. If you must take your pet with you in your car, do so safely. Cats should ride in pet carriers and dogs should ride in travel crates or be on a leash. When a pet travels, she should wear two ID tags—one with a home address and one with a destination address.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than seven million members and constituents. With programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, farm animals and sustainable agriculture and research, the HSUS protects all animals. For more information, visit The HSUS on the Web at www.hsus.org.