Zena – Photo courtesy of PAWS and More

Temperatures this week have been unseasonably warm and during these hot days you’re reminded to take extra care of your pets.

Monday temperatures reached 90 degrees, more than 10 degrees above the normal high temperature for September 17th. Washington Police have responded to calls of dogs in cars and PAWS and More Director Amber Talbot says that’s a dangerous situation. She explains that being in a parked car for 10 minutes in this heat can be deadly for animals, “It would be fatal. I mean, a 10-minute car ride unattended, left alone would be absolutely fatal at that degree.”

She says if you happen to see a pet left in a vehicle unattended in a parking lot then notify a store manager to page the owner of the vehicle. Also, call the local non-emergency number of the Washington County safety center for an officer’s assistance. The center’s number is 319-653-2107. Talbot says when it is hot outside, the best thing to do is to leave your pets at home where it is climate controlled and they have access to water.