Which States Make It Illegal to Leave Pets in Parked Cars? A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Protection Laws

Leaving pets in parked cars, even for a short time, can have tragic consequences. On warm days, temperatures inside a vehicle can skyrocket in minutes, putting animals at risk of heatstroke, suffocation, or even death. In response, many U.S. states have implemented laws to protect pets from being left in unattended vehicles. But the rules vary widely across the country. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand which states make it illegal — and how they enforce these crucial protections.

🚫 Which States Have Pet Protection Laws?

Over 30 states have laws in place to prohibit leaving pets in parked cars under dangerous conditions. Several also provide Good Samaritan protections, allowing citizens or officials to intervene.

State	Law Prohibits Leaving Pets in Cars	Good Samaritan Law (Allows Rescue by Citizens)
Alabama	❌ No	❌ No
Alaska	❌ No	❌ No
Arizona	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Arkansas	✅ Yes	❌ No
California	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Colorado	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Connecticut	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Delaware	✅ Yes	❌ No
Florida	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Georgia	✅ Yes	❌ No
Hawaii	❌ No	❌ No
Idaho	❌ No	❌ No
Illinois	✅ Yes	❌ No (Only law enforcement)
Indiana	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Iowa	❌ No	❌ No
Kansas	❌ No	❌ No
Kentucky	✅ Yes	❌ No
Louisiana	✅ Yes	❌ No
Maine	✅ Yes	❌ No
Maryland	✅ Yes	❌ No
Massachusetts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Michigan	✅ Yes	❌ No
Minnesota	✅ Yes	❌ No
Mississippi	❌ No	❌ No
Missouri	✅ Yes	❌ No
Montana	❌ No	❌ No
Nebraska	✅ Yes	❌ No
Nevada	✅ Yes	❌ No (Only emergency personnel)
New Hampshire	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
New Jersey	✅ Yes	❌ No
New Mexico	❌ No	❌ No
New York	✅ Yes	❌ No
North Carolina	✅ Yes	❌ No
North Dakota	❌ No	❌ No
Ohio	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Oklahoma	✅ Yes	❌ No
Oregon	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Pennsylvania	✅ Yes	❌ No (Only police or humane officer)
Rhode Island	✅ Yes	❌ No
South Carolina	✅ Yes	❌ No
South Dakota	❌ No	❌ No
Tennessee	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Texas	✅ Yes	❌ No
Utah	✅ Yes	❌ No
Vermont	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Virginia	✅ Yes	❌ No
Washington	✅ Yes	❌ No
West Virginia	❌ No	❌ No
Wisconsin	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Wyoming	❌ No	❌ No

🛑 What Do These Laws Actually Say?

While the exact language differs, states with pet protection laws typically make it illegal to leave a pet in a car if:

• The temperature is too hot or cold for the animal’s well-being.
• The pet is showing signs of distress or danger.
• There’s no adequate ventilation, food, or water.

In most cases, violations can result in civil fines, misdemeanor charges, or even felony animal cruelty charges for repeat offenders or severe neglect.

🐕 Can You Legally Break a Window to Save a Pet?

In the states with Good Samaritan laws, private citizens are allowed to rescue animals in distress — but only under specific conditions:

• You must believe the pet is in immediate danger.
• You must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner.
• You must contact law enforcement or animal control before breaking in.
• You must stay at the scene until help arrives.

These laws are designed to protect both the animal and the rescuer from liability — but always know your state’s exact procedures to avoid unintended legal trouble.

🐾 Safety Tips for Pet Owners

• Never leave pets unattended in a parked car — even with the windows cracked.
• Bring a pet carrier and take your pet with you.
• Use pet-friendly businesses or drive-through options.
• Run errands without your pet on hot or cold days.
• Report any animals in distress to 911 or local animal services.

✅ Final Thoughts

The movement to protect pets left in cars is growing — but there's still progress to be made. Understanding your state’s laws could save an animal’s life or keep you from unknowingly breaking the law. If you're unsure about your local rules, consult your state’s animal welfare office or Humane Society chapter.

Remember: even a few minutes can be deadly. If you're not sure — don’t leave them behind.