General News
20 December, 2025
Warning against leaving dogs in vehicles
With summer in full swing and days getting warmer, it’s important to be conscious of leaving dogs in cars. Last Saturday in Stawell, police were called when a bystander noticed dogs in distress on the front seat of a car, when the temperature outside was 32°C.
Many people assume that it is okay to leave their dog in the car if parked in the shade or the window is left open, but dogs regulate temperature differently than humans.
It’s important to know that even with the windows down, temperatures rise quickly in cars.
On a day with a constant outside temperature of 23°C, within 25 minutes, the temperature inside the car can rise to approximately 39°C and reach around 43°C within an hour.
When the temperature exceeds 28°C, dogs struggle to cool down naturally by panting, which in turn increases their risk of heatstroke. Since a normal body temperature for dogs is around 38-39°C, being in a car that reaches 43°C can lead to severe health issues, including heatstroke, multiple organ failure, and even death.
If you notice a dog in a closed car on a warm day, act quickly by trying to find the car owner, by asking neighbours and going into neighbouring shops, and ideally find people to help you, with someone to stay with the dog.
If you can’t find the owner, call 000 immediately, as the police have the authority to break the car window.
There are various signs that show heatstroke in dogs, which include rapid breathing, increased salivation, trembling, rapid heart rate, light pink or very pale gums, seizures, disorientation, uncoordinated movements or staggering, tongue hanging out, extreme restlessness or agitation and persistent panting.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA) and Regulations include several mandatory requirements for traveling with dogs in or on a vehicle:
It is illegal to:
- Put dogs in the boot of a sedan-type car
- Leave an animal unattended inside a car for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees Celsius.
- Transport a dog if it is not appropriately tethered or caged on the back of ute or trailer.
- Secure a dog on the metal tray of a ute or trailer when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees Celsius without the dog having access to an area of insulating material protecting the dog from contact with the metal surface.
In Victoria, fines can be applied up to $2,726 if a dog is caught in the boot of the car, and $3,635 if you leave your dog in the car on a hot day for more than 10 minutes if the temperature is above 28°C.
The best way to protect your dog on a hot day is to never leave them in a parked car.