Signs warn of dangers of leaving pets in vehicles during the heat

Published in the Forest Lake Times on 7/26/2006.

Almost two dozen businesses in the Forest Lake, Wyoming, Chisago Lakes and North Branch areas have joined in a community awareness program this summer to alert the public of the danger of leaving pets in vehicles during hot weather.

The educational program started this spring under the guide of Northwoods Humane Society volunteer Molly Nemec. Working in partnership with area stores and shopping areas, Nemec has encouraged many of them to put up a sign in their parking lot that shows they care about pets.

These signs carry an important message: "Warning - heat kills pets left in parked vehicles."

"Most businesses were happy to display a sign," Nemec said. "They feel strongly about the message and are concerned about the safety of dogs and cats."

Not only is it humane and kind to properly care for your pet, it’s also the law, Nemec said.

The Minnesota Animal Welfare statutes specify that animals must be sheltered from heat and cold. Even with the vehicle windows open, the temperature inside a car on an 85-degree day can reach 110 degrees in 15 minutes, Nemec said.

The temperature could reach 120 degrees or more in 30 minutes, she adds. A "quick" run into the bank or store could take more than one realizes, causing your pet harm, she said.

The problem, Nemec says, is that pets don’t perspire as people do; they cool off by panting. The closed car interferes with the dog’s normal cooling process.

"With only very hot air to breathe, your pet could die or suffer permanent brain damage within moments," Nemec said. "They want to go for a ride in your car, but it’s much kinder to leave your pet at home with plenty of fresh, cool water and shade in the summer months."

The signs

The Northwoods sign project started this year and Nemec hopes to secure more locations.

Today the signs are located in the following locations

Forest Lake: Lake Shoppes (four signs), The Home Depot (two signs), Culver’s, Forum Health Club, Forest Lake Health Club, Exercise Guys, Applebee’s, Lake Area Bank, US Bank, Mainstreet Bank, OfficeMax, Rainbow Foods.

Wyoming: Village Inn, Cornerstone Pub & Prime (two signs.).

Scandia: Scandia Plaza (two signs).

Chisago Lakes: Lindstrom Foods, Brink’s Market, US Bank.

North Branch: Peterson’s Mill, Nelson’s Market, Oak Inn and Minnco Credit Union.

Area businesses interested in putting up one of these aluminum signs should contact Molly Nemec at Northwoods Humane Society in Forest Lake, 651-982-0240.

Other items

In other Northwoods items, the shelter has numerous pets up for adoption and is in need of volunteers. Information is available by calling 651-982-0240 or by visiting the website: www.northwoodshs.org.

Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Monetary donations are always needed to help care for homeless and neglected dogs and cats.

The next "Walk with the Animals" will take place Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Lent Town Hall. The walk begins at 11 a.m. with registration open at 10 a.m.

There will be several canine events to watch, including the Minnesota Pollution Control mercury detecting dog, a police canine unit, Miss Teen Minnesota with a service dog from Tails of Independence and an agility dog demonstration.

All proceeds raised on Sept. 30 will go to help support the cost of spaying and neutering shelter animals.