Hot Cars Kill: What to Do If You See a Child or Pet in Danger
- Louise Bailey
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29
If you see a dog or cat (or child) left in a hot car, especially if it looks distressed,
call 911 immediately
Summer heat can be deadly—especially for dogs trapped in vehicles. Even on a mild 75°F day, a car can reach over 100°F in minutes, putting children and animals at severe risk of heatstroke, organ failure, or death.
🔥 Quick Facts
A car heats up 20°F in just 10 minutes—even with windows cracked.
Dogs can't cool themselves like humans. They pant, but it's often not enough.
Heatstroke can begin at 104°F, and it can be fatal.
🚨 If You See a Child or Pet Left in a Hot Car
👀 Assess the situation:
Is a child sweating heavily, red-faced, unresponsive, or crying?
Is the dog panting, drooling, or lethargic? Is the cat hiding or open-mouth breathing?
Are the windows fully up or only cracked?
Is the A/C running?
If you assess a dangerous situation for the child or pet: Call 911
🚶 Try to locate the owner:
Go into nearby businesses and ask for an urgent loudspeaker announcement.
Note the make, model, and license plate of the car.
Stay with the vehicle until help arrives. Your presence can deter the owner from driving away and gives you a chance to update responders if conditions worsen.
❗ Only break the window if you meet the legal requirements below.
⚖️ Tennessee Law: Breaking into a Hot Car to Save a Child or Pet
Yes — Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Law applies to children, cats, and dogs. You're legally allowed to break into a locked vehicle to save a child or animal in danger only if all the following are true:
✅ Requirements
📞 Call 911
🔒 The vehicle is locked, and there’s no other safe way in.
❗ There is clear danger of harm or death due to heat.
📝 Leave a note on the windshield with:
Your name and contact info
Why you intervened
Where the child or animal is now
That you called authorities
🧍 Stay nearby in a safe place with the child or pet until responders arrive.
🧊 Use only the minimum force necessary to gain entry.
⚠️ Reminder: Cats are especially vulnerable — they don’t cool themselves well and may hide symptoms until it’s almost too late. Heatstroke can be fatal within minutes.
Signs of Heatstroke in Children, Dogs & Cats
👶 Children
Flushed or hot skin
Lethargy or limpness
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid breathing
Sweating stops (a late-stage danger)
🐶 Dogs
Heavy, rapid panting
Thick drool or vomiting
Bright red or purple gums
Glassy eyes or confusion
Staggering or collapse
😿 Cats
Fast, shallow breathing
Drooling or vomiting
Bright red gums or tongue
Hiding or unresponsiveness
Open-mouth breathing (emergency)
⏱ Don't wait —
call 911 immediately. Heatstroke can kill in minutes.
Emergency First Aid After Rescue
👶 Child
Move them to shade or a cool indoor area
Call 911 (if not already done)
Loosen clothing
Apply cool (not cold) damp cloths to neck, wrists, armpits
Do not give fluids unless advised by EMS
Stay with the child until help arrives
🐶 Dog
Move to shade
Pour cool (not cold) water on paws, belly, and armpits
Offer small sips of water if the dog is alert
Get to a vet immediately
⚠️ Use caution — heatstroke can cause even friendly dogs to act aggressively or unpredictably.
😿 Cat
Move to a quiet, shady spot
Gently wipe paws, ears, and belly with a cool damp cloth
Avoid soaking — cats may panic
Transport to a vet immediately
⚠️ Handle gently — cats may bite or scratch out of confusion or fear.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or trust.
These tools are designed to easily break a car window.
Final Reminder
If it's too hot for you, it’s much worse for your child or pet—they don’t get the choice to leave the car or ask for help.
Spread awareness. Share this post. Save a life.
Comments