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:

For more information and to view Clark County’s Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on pet heat safety in English and Spanish, please visit:

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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.