Warm Weather Reminders for Pet Owners

Published on May 26, 2022

It’s finally warm out – bringing up a couple of good reminders for pet owners. The first is that even mild temperatures can make a vehicle feel like an oven for a pet stuck inside a car. 

This is a message worth repeating every year when the spring sun comes out: don’t leave your pet inside your vehicle, even for a few minutes. 

“Even 70 degree days are not safe for pets in cars,” says Kirkland Animal Control Officer Hunter Woldseth. “In ten minutes, the inside temperature can reach 89 degrees. And parking in the shade or leaving the windows open has almost no effect on how hot it is inside the car.” 

Officer Woldseth says any animal left in a vehicle or confined space must have water available, according to state law. It is a violation to leave any animal alone inside a locked car if that animal can be harmed or killed because of excessive heat, cold, or not enough air or water.  

The second reminder for pet owners enjoying springtime weather: license your pet! You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if they ever get lost and are licensed, they’ll get a free ride home if found by Officer Woldseth. 

In Kirkland, all dogs and cats twelve weeks and older owned by residents must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Licenses expire after one year and must be renewed on or before the date of expiration.  License Your Pet today. 

So, enjoy the warm weather, but keep your fur babies at home if bringing them means they stay in the car for any length of time. And get your furry loved ones licensed in case they ever wander off – they’ll get a free ride home!