With temperatures soaring across Southern Nevada, Clark County Animal Protection Services is reminding residents to take proactive precautions to protect their pets from the dangers of extreme heat. Every summer, Animal Protection Services responds to hundreds of calls involving animals left in hot cars or without adequate cooling outdoors.
“Our desert summers present significant challenges for pets, and it’s imperative that owners take proactive steps to protect them,” said Clark County Animal Protection Services Chief Jim Andersen. “Pets are highly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, just like humans– and it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure their animals stay cool, hydrated and safe.”
Important Clark County Code reminders for pet safety:
Pet owners are legally required to provide supplemental cooling—such as misters, swamp coolers, fans, or kiddie pools—when an Extreme Heat Warning is issued by the National Weather Service—and when the temperature is expected to rise above 105 degrees. Simply providing shade and water is not enough during these extreme conditions.
Leaving animals unattended in parked or standing vehicles during periods of extreme heat, or in any other manner that endangers their health or safety, may result in fines or criminal charges.
Key tips for keeping pets safe:
- Hot cars are death traps: Never, under any circumstances, leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a car can skyrocket within minutes, quickly reaching lethal levels even with the windows cracked.
- If you see an animal in distress in a hot car: Please note the vehicle's make, model, and license plate, description of animal and its current condition and contact Clark County Animal Protection Services at (702) 455-7710 or 911 immediately. Do not attempt to remove the animal yourself.
- Avoid walking dogs during peak heat: During extreme heat, pavement can be 40 to 60 degrees higher than the air temperature, reaching temperatures up to 160 degrees. Just a few seconds of exposure to this extreme heat can cause severe and permanent burns. Walk pets during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Hot pavement can burn paw pads, if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.
- Supplemental cooling is crucial for outdoor pets: While shade and fresh water are always required, supplemental cooling measures are not just recommended but are often legally required as well. This includes but is not limited to:
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- Fresh Water: Provide multiple bowls of fresh, cool water that cannot be easily tipped over. Consider adding ice cubes to keep the water colder for longer.
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- Cooling Mats/Pads: Self-cooling mats or wet towels can offer a spot for pets to lie down and reduce their body temperature.
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- Kiddie Pools: For dogs who enjoy water, a shallow kiddie pool can provide a safe and fun way to cool off.
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- Misting Systems: Outdoor misting systems can help lower ambient temperatures around pet areas.
For more information and to view Clark County’s Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on pet heat safety in English and Spanish, please visit:
- English PSA: https://youtu.be/R1cxQ0VMpiE?si=uTcbIwt8o-5gea7E
- Spanish PSA: https://youtu.be/NY5zNLHnZOQ
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect, accountability, leadership, and excellence. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2023). Included are the nation’s 5th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.