As temperatures start to climb, so do the risks for pets left behind in parked vehicles. Even on mild days, the inside of a car can become dangerously hot within minutes, posing a serious threat to animals who cannot regulate their body temperature like humans. With summer fast approaching, a recent bodycam rescue video has sparked conversation online about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars, even briefly.
Video shows cop rescuing dog left in car at a parking lot
On April 6, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) responded to a distressing call at a Home Depot parking lot on Durbin Pavilion Drive in St. Augustine. According to the department’s official Instagram post on @teamsjso, a dog had been left inside a parked car with the windows rolled up and the engine off. Bodycam footage shows Deputy Parker arriving at the scene and locating the visibly distressed dog.
According to witnesses, the animal had already been inside the vehicle for at least 15 minutes. With outdoor temperatures in St. Augustine hitting 82°F that day, the inside of the car could have quickly reached dangerous levels — well over 100°F. Recognizing the urgency, Parker broke a side window and safely pulled the dog out. The footage captures the tense but necessary moment when Parker smashes the glass, then gently removes the overheated animal.
The SJSO used the moment to remind the public that hot car situations can be deadly even on days when temperatures are below 70 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, the temperature inside a parked car can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. As such, if you are running errands in the heat, it is better to leave your dog at home in a cool, safe environment. Always carry water, avoid peak heat hours, and when in doubt, stay out of the car altogether with your pet. It only takes a few minutes for the situation to become dangerous — or even deadly.
