WARNING ISSUED AFTER DOG LEFT IN SWELTERING CAR

Dog owners across New Zealand are being warned not to leave their pets unattended in vehicles during summer, as even brief periods can cause severe distress or death.

The warning from New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity follows an incident in Wellington where a dog was found suffering in a hot car, showing clear signs of heat stress.

The vehicle had been parked in full sun. Although the outside temperature was 22°C, the inside of the car was much hotter, even with the windows slightly open. The large crossbreed dog was panting heavily, drooling, and seeking shade in the footwell—classic signs of heat distress.

An SPCA inspector tried to contact the owner using the car registration details and later visited nearby homes, but could not find the owner. Just as she was about to remove the dog, the owner arrived and reluctantly opened the car, showing little concern for the animal. The dog immediately tried to escape.

The inspector gave the dog water, which it drank eagerly. Despite this, the owner placed the dog back in the car and drove off, returning shortly after with the panting animal still inside. The owner was issued a $300 infringement and received guidance on the dangers of leaving dogs in vehicles during hot weather.

The SPCA emphasized that even mild days can be dangerous. On a 21°C day, a car parked in the shade—even with windows down—can reach more than 31°C within 10 minutes and over 40°C in half an hour. On hotter days, temperatures inside vehicles can exceed 50°C, potentially causing brain damage, organ failure, or death.

Dogs rely on panting to stay cool, which is ineffective in warm, enclosed spaces. Parking in the shade or cracking windows offers little protection against heat stress.

Every summer, the SPCA receives hundreds of calls about dogs left in hot cars—a preventable and heart-breaking welfare issue.

“You wouldn’t leave a child in a hot car,” said SPCA CEO Todd Westwood. “Please do the same for your furry family members. If you can’t leave them safely at home, take them out in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Alternatively, ask friends or family to care for them if your dog struggles with separation anxiety.”

If you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle, contact the SPCA on 0800 SPCA NZ or call the Police immediately. Do not attempt to break the window yourself, as this can be dangerous for both you and the animal.

To help raise awareness, the SPCA has made downloadable posters, flyers, and social media graphics available for the public. These can be found on the SPCA website: Dogs Die in Hot Cars – SPCA