The Marin Humane Society  is urging pet guardians to leave their animal companions at home during this week’s warm weather. Over the last two days MHS has received a number of calls from the public about animals left unattended in vehicles, and rescued a dog from a hot vehicle yesterday as a result of the weather.

Pets, cars and warm days don’t mix:

• When you turn off your car, all ventilation stops. A car’s interior can reach 160 degrees in a few minutes, even on mildly warm days.
•  Animals in hot cars are at risk for brain damage, heat stroke – even death.
•  It is against the law in Marin County to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle on a warm day. Any law enforcement officer can and will use whatever means are necessary to remove a pet from a vehicle if an animal is in distress.

As temperatures rise, the best thing to do is to leave your pets at home. Provide plenty of fresh water and limit outdoor activities. If you see an animal in a car on a warm day, get the vehicle description and license plate and call the Marin Humane Society immediately at 415.883.4621. Your call could save an animal’s life!

Looking for a way to cool down your pooch during the hot weather? Give your dog a bath and help support the Marin Humane Society shelter animals! MHS junior volunteers are hosting a Dog Wash Fundraiser on Thursday, May 5 from 3:30 to 5pm in the MHS Parking Lot. $10 suggested donation.