Heat Wave: Pet Owners Warned to Keep Pets Out of Cars

As a heat wave continues to warm up the Bay Area this week, public safety officials are advising residents to be safe with their pets.
 
The Benicia Police Department has put out a reminder to keep pets at home instead of keeping them in a car while out and about. Authorities warn that temperatures inside cars can reach dangerous temperatures quickly. In 85-degree weather, a car with windows open can still reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

[Related article: Dogs Found in Hot Cars Rescued by Police]
 
In Benicia, authorities will be looking for vehicles that have unattended pets and respond to calls about pets left in cars. For any pets that are suffering from heat exhaustion, officials recommend soaking the animal with water and then heading to a veterinarian. Pet owners with animals left in cars can be cited and in some cases arrested if the conditions endanger the pet's well-being or cause serious injury.

[Related article: Woman Arrested After Dog Dies In Car In Pleasant Hill Parking Garage]

Temperatures have been higher than usual for this time of year for most of the week. Today it is expected to climb into the 80s in most parts of the Bay Area before cooling off Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Related article: 

• The Heat is on: Bay Area Temps on the Rise
• Police Issue Warning About Leaving Pets in Hot Cars