What to do if you see a dog or cat in a hot vehicle:
Write down or take a photo of the car's make, model and license plate.
If there are businesses nearby, notify their managers and ask them to make an announcement to find the owner of the vehicle. Many people are unaware of the danger of leaving pets in hot cars and will quickly return to their vehicle once they are alerted to the situation. Consider taking this opportunity to kindly inform them of the dangers involved to prevent a similar incident from occurring again.
If the owner can't be found, call the non-emergency number (below) to contact local police or companion animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive. The laws in Minnesota and Wisconsin vary as to who can legally remove animals from cars under certain circumstances, so be sure to know the laws in your area and follow the requirements:
County Sheriff Non-Emergency Phone Numbers:
Washington Co, MN 651-439-9381
St. Croix Co., WI 715-386-4701
Pierce Co., WI 715-273-5051
Companion Animal Control 715-220-1332