Many Illinois Pet Lovers Get This Hot Car Law Wrong

As temps heat up Illinois, so do the chances of seeing a pet left in a hot car, and there is some important information you need to know to keep you and the pet out of trouble.

fawn pug inside vehicle

Warning for Illinois Animal Lovers

I am one thousand percent to my core an animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs.

I'm one of those annoying people who speaks in baby talk to my dogs and doesn't think twice about giving them a big old smooch on the lips.

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Dogs have so many amazing qualities that I wish people had too, and when I see a dog in trouble, I will not hesitate to help.

Every summer we see the warnings not to leave pets in hot cars, even if it's just for 10 minutes, yet so many people still do, and it's infuriating.

Over the last few days, I've seen several friends copy and paste this message on social media:

The Police now say if you see a dog locked in a car in hot weather, take a picture of the dog and the car. (And the car tag.) If someone is with you, get them to bring up the weather for your area on their phone so you can screen shot the temp, then break the car window. This way, you will not be charged with criminal damage and it gives the police photo evidence to take the dog owners to court.

While this message is important and makes sense, I can't help but wonder: will documenting the situation truly keep you out of trouble for breaking someone's car window to save a pet in Illinois?

Illinois Pet Protection Laws

In case you are unaware, in Illinois it is illegal to leave an animal in a parked car when exposure to extreme heat or cold threatens the animal's life or health, but it is also illegal for citizens to break a window to save an animal in danger.

An article from the Illinois State Bar Association says:

Although a person might feel that it's worth taking the risk to save the dog, smashing in someone's car window constitutes Criminal Damage to Property.

Breaking a window may save the animal, but you will pay for it in fines.

In Illinois, the only people that can legally break a window to save a pet in danger are first responders, police, or animal service officers. No exceptions.

How to Help a Pet Left in a Hot Car

Many people would argue that paying a fine is worth saving an animal in danger, but if you want to handle the situation legally, here are some things you can do:

• Call 911
• If the car is parked in a business or store lot, ask management or security officers to make an announcement to locate the animal's owner.
• Take pictures or document the car's make, model, and license plate to share with authorities.

As the owner of two dogs who enjoy going on car rides, I understand that leaving them home can be tough, but in the heat of summer, it is the best decision you can make.