Can I go to jail for leaving my dog alone in the car? What California law says

As temperatures rise across California, weather experts are reminding drivers not to leave pets or children alone inside parked vehicles — even for a few minutes.

“Be on guard even if it’s not hot outside,” the National Weather Service wrote in an X post on Monday, May 11.

Can you go to jail for leaving a dog alone in a car?

Here’s what California law says:

Can I leave my dog alone in the car?

According to California’s Penal Code, it is illegal to leave an animal alone in a vehicle under conditions that could endanger its health or well-being.

This law applies to temperatures that are too hot or too cold, as well as vehicle conditions that lack adequate airflow, food or water.

“Hot car deaths can occur even when the outside temperature is below 70 degrees,” the National Weather Service said.

Can my dog stay in the car if the windows are open?

According to the American Kennel Club, it is not safe or recommended leaving your dog in a car, even with the windows open.

“The inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree Fahrenheit weather can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in just 20 minutes,” the American Kennel Club said. “On very hot days, temperatures inside parked cars can climb to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than one hour.”

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cracking a window open “makes no difference.”

“A parked car with the windows cracked heats up at almost the exact same rate as a car with the windows rolled up, putting pets in serious danger,” the American Kennel Club said.

What are the risks of leaving pets in the car?

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin to cool off, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Instead, dogs primarily regulate heat through panting and small sweat glands in their paw pads. This puts them at risk of overheating and heat stroke, especially when left in a car or spending time in direct sunlight.

According to the California Department of Public Health, pets are more likely to suffer from heat stroke if they:

• Are wearing a muzzle, which makes it harder for them to cool down by panting
• Are overweight or belong to a large breed
• Have long or thick fur
• Are a breed with breathing issues, including bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Boston terriers or Persian cats
• Have health problems affecting their heart, lungs or windpipe

What are signs of heat stroke for dogs?

Heat stroke in pets is a serious and life-threatening emergency, the state health department said.

If not treated right away, heat stroke “can lead to organ damage or death if not treated quickly.”

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Rapid breathing
• Dry or sticky gums
• Very hot skin
• Higher-than-normal heart rate
• Seizures
• Lethargic or disoriented appearance

Can I break into a vehicle to rescue an animal?

If you see a pet left alone in a car under conditions that could endanger their safety or health, it’s your right to step in and help them, according to California Penal Code.

In accordance with the law, it’s legal for someone to break into someone’s car if:

• You have “good faith belief” that the animal is in immediate danger.
• You checked the vehicle is locked.
• You called emergency services.
• The owner of the vehicle cannot be found.

The person must stay with the pet until law enforcement arrives, the law says.

Can I go to jail for leaving my dog alone in the car?

According to the California Penal Code, pet owners who leave an animal unattended in a vehicle can face a first-time fine of up to $100 per animal.

If the pet suffered an injury while left alone in the car, a pet owner could receive a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months or both.

This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can I go to jail for leaving my dog alone in the car? What California law says."

Angela Rodriguez

The Modesto Bee

279-386-2738

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.