Last Updated: 15/01/2026
Dogs Locked in Hot Cars: What to Do and Legal Risks
Leaving a dog in a car can be fatal in minutes, even on mild days. Discover how to identify a dog in distress, the legal penalties involved, and who to call - from the police to the NRMA - to ensure a safe rescue without breaking the law yourself.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Leaving a dog in a car is a dangerous gamble that can turn fatal in minutes. Despite frequent warnings from the RSPCA and animal welfare groups, many pet parents underestimate how quickly a vehicle's interior transforms into a life-threatening environment. Whether it's a quick trip to the shops or a mild afternoon, understanding the risks and the legalities is essential for every Australian pet owner.
Why cars are dangerous for dogs
A car functions like a greenhouse, trapping heat and causing internal temperatures to skyrocket. Research from the RACQ demonstrates that the temperature inside a typical car parked outside can increase by 10 degrees within just 10 minutes1.
Unlike humans, who have sweat glands across their entire body, dogs only sweat minimally through their paw pads. They rely primarily on panting to regulate their body temperature. In a hot, enclosed car, panting becomes ineffective as the dog breathes in hot air, leading to rapid dehydration and heatstroke. Within a short window of time, a dog can suffer permanent organ damage or death.
Is it okay to leave a dog in a car with the windows down?
No, leaving windows slightly open has been shown to have a negligible effect on reducing the interior temperature of a car. The metal frame and glass windows still trap heat effectively, and a car can still reach life-threatening temperatures within minutes even with a gap for "fresh air."
How to identify a dog in distress
If you encounter a dog in a vehicle, the first priority is assessing their physical state. A dog suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke will often show the following symptoms:
Excessive panting: Heavy, laboured, or frantic breathing.
Hypersalivation: Excessive drooling or thick saliva.
Gum colour: Bright red, blue, or purple gums, indicating a lack of oxygen.
Vocalisation: Whining, barking, or scratching at windows to escape.
Lethargy: If the dog is non-responsive, try banging firmly on the car door or frame. The vibration may alert a dog that is otherwise too weak or hard-of-hearing to look up.
Learn more about the Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs.
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car
If you are concerned for a dog's welfare, follow these steps to help safely and legally:
- Check for signs of life: Determine if the dog is in immediate danger or showing signs of heatstroke. If the dog is non responsive, bang firmly on the car frame. Even if the dog is deaf, they will feel the vibration.
- Locate the owner: If the dog is in mild distress, note the car’s registration number and description. If parked near a shopping centre or business, ask management to page the owner immediately.
- Check the vehicle: Test the doors and windows to see if any are unlocked.
- Call the authorities: If the owner cannot be found and the dog is in immediate danger or it's condition is worsening, call the police on 000. You can also contact the RSPCA or the NRMA. NRMA patrols can often perform emergency lock-out procedures to rescue the animal, even if you aren't a member.
- Stay on the scene: Wait by the car until help arrives.
Can I break a window to save a dog in a hot car?
In Australia, breaking into a vehicle - even to save an animal - is generally considered a criminal offence (damage to property). The safest and most legal course of action is to contact the police or the NRMA immediately. They have the authority and tools to gain entry to the vehicle safely.
Australian laws and penalties
There is no specific law that says you can’t leave a dog in a car under any circumstance. Instead, the animal welfare/cruelty legislation in each state makes it an offence to cause - or allow - an animal to suffer or be placed at risk of suffering. Leaving a dog in a parked car so it overheats can meet that standard and lead to criminal charges.
Do Australian laws only apply on hot days?
While the risk is higher in summer, animal cruelty laws apply year-round. If a pet is found to be suffering or in distress due to confinement in a vehicle, the owner can be prosecuted regardless of the outside temperature.
Leaving a dog unattended in a car is never worth the risk, regardless of the duration or the weather. With heavy fines and potential imprisonment at stake, the legal consequences are significant, but the physical toll on the animal is far worse. If a dog is spotted in a vehicle and appears to be suffering, acting quickly by contacting the authorities or the NRMA is the most effective way to help. By staying informed and vigilant, pet parents can work together to prevent these avoidable tragedies.
References
RACQ, RACQ’s urgent safety warning as heatwave grips Qld, https://www.racq.com.au/news/motoring/mr030223-racqs-urgent-safety-warning-as-heatwave-grips-qld, accessed 15/01/2026
Animal Welfare Victoria, Travelling with dogs, https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/dogs/legal-requirements-for-dog-owners/travelling-with-dogs, accessed 15/01/2026
Shine Lawyers, Driving with Dogs in Cars, https://www.shine.com.au/resources/motor-vehicle-law/riding-in-cars-with-dogs, accessed 15/01/2026
RSPCA QLD, Dogs die in hot cars, https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/welfare-awareness/companion-animals/dogs-die-in-hot-cars, accessed 15/01/2026
RSPCA WA, Dogs in hot cars, https://www.rspcawa.org.au/dogs-in-hot-cars, accessed 15/01/2026
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 15 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
