What to do if you find an animal locked in a hot car
As of September 28, 2011, in Maine, Emergency Medical Technicians and Firefighters will be added to the list of those that can rescue animals from a locked car, even if the windows are open a crack. Police officers and animal control officers already have this authority.
People should never leave any pet locked in a vehicle in the sun, even if the weather seems cool. The interior can quickly heat up and suffocate the pet in a very short time. The temperature can increase by 40 degrees in less than 10 minutes. If an animal is in a locked car, even if the windows are open a crack, notify the local police or animal control officer. In Maine, the law allows these officials to remove any animal from a hot car.
Automobile temperatures can very quickly rise to dangerous levels; the average temperature increase in a parked car is 40 degrees, and the majority of this increase occurs in the first 15 to 30 minutes, according to the ASPCA. When it’s 80 degrees outside, the car will be 114 degrees after 30 minutes.
Dogs cannot cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die.
Anyone that sees an animal in a locked car should do the following:
Try to Locate the Pet Parent
Go to security and ask them to page the person that owns the car.
Educate Pet Owners
Explain to the pet owners the dangers of leaving the pet in a hot car. Make sure the pet gets out of the car as soon as possible.
Call 911
Fourteen states have enacted specific laws that protect dogs in hot cars, as have many municipalities—but even in places lacking such a law, leaving an animal in a hot car may constitute cruelty. Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia have laws that prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle.
The next factor important to the question is the condition under which the the animal is left in the vehicle. Most of these laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle. Further, the laws add that in order for a person to violate the law, the conditions have to endanger the animal’s life. Some of the statutes specifically state that extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or failing to provide proper food or drink meet this definition. Other laws are more vague and just require that the conditions are such that physical injury or death is likely to result.
In Maine, the law states an animal’s safety, health, or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, or lack of adequate ventilation, and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death. A law enforcement officer, humane agent, or animal control officer may take all steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s safety, health, or well-being appears to be in immediate danger. The official removing the animal must leave written notice bearing the officer’s or agent’s name and office and the address of the location where the animal may be claimed. There’s only a removal section, and no penalty provision in the law.
Remember, pets count on people to save their lives.
http://www.pawsadoption.org/pet-safety-tips/what-to-do-if-you-find-an-animal-locked-in-a-hot-car
= new reply since forum marked as read
Daily I take them with as often as possible (They love to ride) I have a few rules that i follow such as: All windows down at least three inches and moon roof open, Always find shade to park under, Have at least a gallon jug of water and bowl with you, If you go to a store for a couple things don't dawdle if the cashier is slow or whatever come back later without the dogs,Never bring dogs if it is in the 90's or more unless your going to the local swimming hole or beach, Basically always consider your pets comfort first when its hot 
( don't use that smiley much)
