The SPCA is urging dog owners to never leave their pets unattended in vehicles during the summer months. 

Animal Rehab Central veterinarian nurse Jo Shakespeare said dogs can’t cool themselves down properly, and 10 minutes is the longest they can handle the heat inside a car.

SPCA Inspectors responded to a call in the Wellington region earlier this year, regarding a dog left in a car for at least an hour. 

The vehicle was parked in full sun, and although the outside temperature was 22°C, the temperature inside the car was significantly higher. 

Jo said if the outside temperature is 26degC, then it will be around 38degC inside the car.

Unless dog owners left the air conditioning on in the vehicle, it was best they were left at home during hot summer days - walking on the hot pavement was also not recommended.

Jo sees too many dogs left in supermarket carparks around Central during summer months, and informs staff of the vehicle number plate to find the owner.

“It happens more in the holiday season.”

She said some breeds such as French Bulldogs can take up to a day to cool themselves down and regulate their breathing again, if left in a hot car for too long.

Owners can be fined $300 if they are found to be neglectful, and if you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle, call SPCA on 0800 SPCA NZ or contact the police immediately.

Animal Rehab Central is a charity pet shop in the Centrepoint Mall in Alexandra. During the year it operates a doggy daycare and training workshops.

Jo said over the Christmas and New Year period when staff are all on breaks, they allow people to drop off their pets when they are open, for an hour or two each day.

Check our listing for more information on how to contact them here