Is it Against the Law to Leave a Pet in a Hot Car in Idaho?

The heat has arrived in Idaho, and while there will be days it will drop down and give you hope to some cooler weather, the heat will come back with a vengeance. The Magic Valley has already seen days in the low 90s, and the high 90s and triple digits are soon to follow. Many of us will go to the lake, the river, or a pool to cool off. Many in the state of Idaho like to get out and enjoy the warm weather, and in doing so they often prefer to take their furry babies. Occasionally, you must stop in the store and may want to leave your four-legged friend in the car. When it comes to leaving your dog in the car this summer in Idaho to run in and out of a store, could you be breaking the law, and if so, what is the punishment if caught?

Is it Illegal in Idaho to Leave Your Dog in the Car?

We have all been there, where we say we are running into the store real quick, we leave our pet in the car, and before you know it, it has been 20 minutes or so. While that may not seem like a long time to us, imagine sitting in a car, with a fur coat on, with the windows rolled up, in 90-plus-degree heat. It makes you sweat thinking about it. That is what your loveable pet is going through. There are many in the area that if they spot this, will call officers and report that a pet is locked in a hot car. If they arrive and the vehicle belongs to you, the punishment is steep. To answer the question, yes it is illegal, and the fine and repercussions are not worth it. 

Punishment for Caught With Dog in Hot Car in Idaho

Under Idaho's animal care law, if caught leaving a dog in a hot car for an exceeded amount of time, you could face a fine anywhere between $100 to $5,000, and could even do up to six months in jail. That is only for a first-time offense. That is not a fine you want to pay. For those who wonder what they can do if they see a dog in a hot car, unfortunately, your options are limited. You can check the door the see if the car will open, but breaking the glass would turn this heroic act around on you, as then you would be breaking the law. The best thing to do is to call the non-emergency police line for your area. 

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As you go out and have fun this summer, and take your dogs with you, make sure to leave the windows down, or take them into the store with you, when allowed. It is not worth the risk of what could happen to your pet, or the fine if caught. Be smart and think how you would feel if you were in that warm car, trapped like they are.