Time to hit the road and enjoy all that Summer has to offer.  But before you and your dog head out, remember that when you bring your dog you are committing to spending the entire time with him.  Never leave a dog in a car during the summer.  Even with windows opened on a 70 degree day it only takes approximately 3o minutes for inside a car to reach temperatures above 100 degrees.  The time it takes for you to enjoy a meal in a restaurant or to do a little shopping could turn deadly for your pet.

Maine and New Hampshire have strict rules regarding unattended dogs in hot cars.  In Maine a law enforcement officer, humane agent, animal control officer or fire fighter, “may take all steps that are reasonably necessary to remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s safety, health or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.”  In New Hampshire “any law enforcement officer or agent of a licensed humane organization may take action necessary to rescue a confined animal endangered by extreme temperatures, and to remove the threat of further serious harm.”

So please before heading out for a day of adventure with your dog do your research.  Make sure your destination is dog friendly.  If you’re planning to spend the whole day, research if there restaurants in the area that allow dogs.  Also be sure when out and about that your dog has plenty of water and shade, scale back vigorous activity during the warmest part of the day, and please leave dogs at home on hot days.  In addition, here at LWAG we cannot stress enough that you should always carry an emergency first aid kit with you.

By taking precautions and being prepared, you and your dog will have a great day out.  For ideas on places to explore with your dog, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.