Police from Arlington Heights responded about 1:45 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 to a report that a dog was left in a hot car with the windows closed at the Trader Joe’s, 17 West Rand Road in the Annex of Arlington shopping center in Arlington Heights. The driver left the location before police arrived, but police were able to identify the owner of the vehicle from the vehicle’s license plate.
The windows were only opened about one-quarter inch. The woman who owned the car said the dog was only left alone for eight minutes, but another witness said the dog was unattended much longer than eight minutes.
The nearest official National Weather Service Air Temperature was 83°F at Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Pal-Waukee Airport) at 1:52 p.m. The heat index was 84°F and the humidity was 53%. There were a few clouds with a lot of direct sunlight on the car. Winds were Southwest at 16.1 MPH, gusting to 26.5 MPH. The air pressure was 29.96 in.
Police were apparently going to attempt to locate the owner, and serve a warning about leaving dogs in cars in hot weather and provide information to the owner about cautions and safety procedures regarding risk to the dog’s life and health.
Preventing Dogs from Being Left in Hot Cars: A Life-Saving Guide
Every summer, heartbreaking stories emerge of dogs suffering or dying from being left in hot cars. Deaths can occur even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can become extremely high with oven like temperatures. Preventive measures and community actions should be implemented to ensure dogs are never left in hot cars, even for a short time.
The Dangers of Hot Cars for Dogs
A car’s interior can heat up rapidly, even in mild weather. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), on an 85°F day, a car’s interior can reach 102°F in just 10 minutes and climb to 120°F in 30 minutes. Dogs don’t sweat like humans, and rely on panting respirations to cool off. Panting breathing is ineffective in such extreme heat conditions. Heatstroke can set in quickly, leading to organ damage, brain injury, and death. Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. Breeds with short noses, like bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs, are especially vulnerable.
Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: Even for “just a minute,” it’s not worth the risk.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car Under Any Circumstance. You can become distracted by another activity, and forget your dog has been left in your car.
If you’re running errands, leave your dog at home in a cool, comfortable environment with water and shade.
Choose destinations where they can accompany you, such as pet-friendly stores or parks. Plan ahead to avoid situations where your dog isn’t allowed to accompany you outside of your car.
Use Technology for Safety: Invest in car temperature monitors or remote pet monitoring devices that alert you if the car’s interior becomes too hot. Some devices even allow you to start the car’s air conditioning remotely in unavoidable situation. However, use multiple systems, in case any one of the systems fails.
Be Prepared
Prepare for Emergencies: Carry a pet first-aid kit and know the signs of heatstroke. Have contact information for nearby veterinarians or emergency clinics when traveling.
Spread Awareness: Educate friends, family, and your community about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. Share infographics, post on social media, or distribute flyers with statistics like those from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
What to Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car
If you encounter a dog trapped in a hot car, act quickly but responsibly:
Assess the Situation: Check for signs of distress (panting, drooling, unresponsiveness). Note the car’s make, model, and license plate. Consider taking a picture of the car, including the license plate; however, be careful to avoid being seen by the ownder because a person might react aggressively if they see you taking a picture of their vehicle.
Locate the Owner: If you’re near a store, ask management to page the owner. Provide the car’s details to help identify them quickly.
Call for Help: If the dog appears in distress and the owner can’t be found, call local animal control, police, or 911. Many states have laws allowing “Good Samaritan” intervention to save animals in imminent danger.
Stay Safe and Legal: Avoid breaking into the vehicle unless the dog’s life is clearly at risk and you’ve consulted authorities. Some states, like California and Florida, have specific laws protecting people who break into cars to rescue animals, but always check local regulations. According to the Illinois State Bar Association it is illegal to break a car window, even with good intentions for a dog in distress. This is why it is important to call 9-1-1, and be certain to inform the 9-1-1 operator if the dog appears to be in distress.
Provide Aid: If the dog is removed, offer water (not too cold) and move them to a shaded, cool area until help arrives.
Community Action and Advocacy
Preventing these incidents requires collective effort:
Support Legislation: Advocate for stronger laws penalizing those who leave pets in hot cars. Many states, like New Jersey and Arizona, have passed “hot car” laws with hefty fines or jail time for offenders.
Raise Awareness: Partner with local shelters, veterinary clinics, or businesses to distribute “Don’t Leave Pets in Hot Cars” signs for parking lots. Organizations like the Humane Society offer free downloadable resources for this purpose.
Educate Through Events: Host community workshops or pet safety fairs to teach owners about heatstroke risks and prevention. Invite veterinarians to share expertise.
A Call to Action
Leaving a dog in a hot car is preventable with awareness and responsibility. As pet owners, bystanders, or advocates, the community plays a role in keeping dogs safe, especially in a public space. Never assume a quick errand is harmless because even a few minutes or a lapse in memory can be deadly. If you see a dog in distress, act swiftly but lawfully to save a life by getting the police involved.
For more information, visit resources from the AVMA (avma.org) or the Humane Society (humanesociety.org).
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