Being a Pet Mom or Pet Dad means that you are constantly researching to figure out if an environment is safe for your pet or not.Summertime pet travel has even more information that you have to know so that you can avoid dangerous situations.It is hot everywhere and there are so many factors to consider for your pet while it is hot outside.Here are some things to remember:
Air temperature facts
- 1.90+°F - Not safe.Very dangerous to your pet's health.
- 2.80 to 85°F - Don't Walk too long.Stay in the shade.
- 3.60 to 75°F - Have fun and enjoy playing with your pet.
Pavement temperature facts
- 1.If the air temperature is 77°F, then the pavement will be 125°F.Skin damage can occur on the paw after 1 minute of exposure at this temperature.
- 2.If the air temperature is 86°F, then the pavement will be 135°F.Skin damage can occur on the paw instantly with exposure at this temperature.
- 3.If the air temperature is 102°F, then the pavement will be 167°F. Skin damage can occur on the paw instantly with exposure at this temperature.
Car temperature facts
- 1.If the air temperature is 75°F, then the car temperature will be 94°F after 10 minutes.
- 2.If the air temperature is 85°F, then the car temperature will be 104°F after 10 minutes.
- 3.If the air temperature is 95°F, then the car temperature will be 114°F after 10 minutes.
During your travels within the United States, if you see a pet trapped in a car on a hot day, you can rescue them without consequences.This is covered by the "Good Samaritan Law".(Click HERE for an interactive map).
"Good Samaritan Laws", when applied to animals, provide legal protection to individuals who offer aid to animals in distress, particularly in situations like being left in a hot car. These laws aim to encourage intervention and prevent legal repercussions for acting in good faith.
Key Aspects of "Good Samaritan Laws" and Animals:
- Focus- Primarily address situations where animals are left unattended in vehicles under dangerous conditions, such as extreme heat or cold.
- Protection for Civilians- Some states have "Good Samaritan" laws specifically granting civil immunity to civilians who rescue animals from vehicles under certain circumstances.
- Protection for Public Officials- Many states also provide immunity for public officials (e.g., police, animal control) who rescue animals from vehicles.
- Conditions for Immunity- To qualify for immunity, rescuers usually need to meet certain conditions, including:
- §Having a reasonable belief, the animal is in imminent danger.
- §Attempting to notify law enforcement before intervening.
- §Using minimal force to remove the animal.
- §Remaining with the animal until authorities arrive.
- Civil vs. Criminal Immunity- Most Good Samaritan laws for animals provide civil immunity, protecting rescuers from lawsuits for damages to the vehicle, but not necessarily criminal immunity.
- State Variations- Specifics of Good Samaritan laws for animals vary by state, including definitions of "domestic animals," the extent of immunity granted, and mandatory reporting requirements for suspected abuse.
The best tips we can offer are:
- Provide plenty of fresh cold water several times a day.This also means washing out the bowl and changing the water daily.
- Walk your pet during the cooler part of the day.Stick to early morning, late evening or even in the nighttime.
- Walk on the grass and dirt only.Or you can buy shoes to protect the paws from the hot pavement, street and sidewalks.Shoes are a great protection from things that can hurt the paws like sharp objects or harmful liquids.
- Keep your pet in shaded areas and provide ventilation/air flow via a fan, air conditioning or other means to keep them cool.
- Take your pet with you on rides to places that you are sure will welcome them inside or leave them back where you are staying.Not all retail stores and restaurants will allow your pet inside.Find out their pet policy before taking your pet for a ride so that you are not in the position to leave them in an automobile or tied up outside.
- Be aware that airlines are going to take less animals in cargo during the summer.So, if your pet is flying in cargo, you can only fly early in the morning as the FAA will not allow animals in cargo if it is 85+ degrees on the tarmac.Some airlines choose to use 80 degrees as their temperature threshold so check with the airline for what they allow when planning.
Doing what is right for an animal is always the best thing.This should start with the owner and if need be, a random person and/or law enforcement who see an animal in distress.Together, let's build a world where we all are looking out for the health and safety of animals.