Marana Animal Services: Don't leave pets in hot cars
Published on June 13, 2025
MARANA- Marana Animal Services is sounding the alarm for pet safety as temperatures rise in Southern Arizona.
In the last month, Marana’s animal control officers have responded to nine calls for dogs left in vehicles. This is significantly higher than average.
Even if a vehicle is parked in the shade, temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels and put animals at severe risk of heat stroke.
Chief Code Enforcement and Animal Control Officer Clarissa Leyva- Canez is urging pet owners to never leave their animals inside a hot vehicle even for a minute.
“We are the voice for our furry friends. Our mission is to educate so that through understanding, we prevent the need for intervention,” said Leyva-Canez.
HEATSTROKE SIGNS IN PETS:
- Rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick or sticky saliva, excessive drooling
- Weakness, lethargy, uncoordinated movement, vomiting and diarrhea
IF YOU SUSPECT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS:
- Move dog to cool, shaded area
- Allow frequent, small drinks of water
- Bring dog to vet immediately
If you see a pet locked inside a hot vehicle, please report it to Marana Anima Services at 520-382-8020.
Click here to view more summer safety tips for pets.(PDF, 2MB)
The Town of Marana encourages community members to stay hydrated, limit your time outdoors and watch out for each other to beat the heat safely.
ADDITIONAL HEAT SAFETY INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car.
- Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
- Older adults, particularly those who have pre-existing diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or have limited mobility who are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
- People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than healthy people.
- Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.
View more information here.