HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Now that summer is here, pet owners need to stay aware of the temperatures if they plan on leaving their pet in a car. Havre’s Animal Control Officer Pete Federspiel says that even at 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach over 100 degrees in about 20 minutes, even if the windows are cracked.
“Once we get on scene of where the animal is at, they make a determination of what needs to be done. If the animal is in distress, they will enter the car and remove the animal. If not, they will attempt to find the owner and proceed from there.”
Federspiel says that cracking your car windows won’t keep your pet from overheating.
“Cracking the windows open is typically what we see when the animals is left in the cars. People think that just cracking the windows open will allow ventilation inside the car. It does allow for some air to move around, but the temperature still increases dramatically and fast.”
Federspiel says that if you are traveling with pets in the car, leave the car running with the air conditioner on. He also reminds people to lock your vehicle when it’s running.
