Why Pet Safety and a New Animal Shelter Matter

These two sweet dogs were left inside the car on a 87-degree day.

Officer Ash with CPD attempting to open the back door to give relief to the dogs.

 On the afternoon of July 4, my wife Rachel and I made a quick stop at Walmart. It was 87 degrees, sunny, humid, and unmistakably summer in Columbus. As we walked to our car, we heard a dog barking. Curious and a little concerned, we paused. After loading our groceries, we looked around and quickly spotted the source: two dogs locked inside a parked car, windows cracked.

They were panting, alert, but clearly uncomfortable.
A couple standing nearby looked equally uneasy, and a group of people heading into the store commented that it was far too hot for dogs to be left alone like that. A kind stranger even handed Rachel a bottle of water to try to help the animals.

We waited a few minutes, but when it became clear the owner wasn’t coming back anytime soon, I called 911.

Thanks to a quick response from Columbus Police and Animal Care Services, the situation was handled safely. The officer was able to open a back door to release some of the heat. The dogs, though shaken, stayed put in the back seat. Not long after, the car owner arrived—surprised to find police and onlookers gathered around.

This was a preventable situation, and thankfully it didn’t turn tragic. But it easily could have.

The Danger Is Real—Even on a “Mild” Day
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. That means on a 70–80-degree day, the interior can soar past 100–110 degrees in no time. And cracking the windows? That doesn’t help.

Elapsed TimeTemperature Rise
10 minutes+19°F
20 minutes+29°F
30 minutes+34°F
60 minutes+43°F

Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do. Heat can overwhelm them fast, especially if they’re older, younger, or have health conditions.

And here in Columbus, leaving your pet in a hot car isn’t just unsafe—it’s illegal.
You can be fined $100 for leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions. That fine reflects the seriousness of the risk.

The best rule of thumb: If your pet doesn’t need to come with you, let them stay home in a safe, cool space.

The Bigger Picture: Animal Care Services Is Essential
That July 4 moment was also a reminder of how vital our city’s Animal Care Services department is. They don’t just handle stray animals—they’re first responders in situations like this one. They’re educators. They’re protectors. And they’re operating out of a facility that is well past its prime.

The good news is: plans for a new shelter are near completion. And we need it.
A modern facility will mean:

• Safer conditions for animals in need of rescue.
• Proper housing and quarantine spaces.
• Support for emergency calls and investigations.
• Resources for public education and community outreach.

If Columbus is going to remain a city that treats its pets with compassion and care, we must give our Animal Care team the tools they need to do the job right.

What You Can Do

• Never leave your pet in a parked car—regardless of the weather or the time you’ll be gone.
• If you see an animal in distress, call 911 or Animal Care Services immediately.
• Support the future of Animal Care Services.
  

A safe city includes safe conditions for our four-legged residents too. On July 4, I saw how quickly neighbors, police, and animal care professionals came together to do the right thing. That’s the kind of community Columbus is—and with the right investment in our infrastructure, it’s the kind of community we’ll continue to be.

Jay Foyst
City Councilman, District 6
Columbus, Indiana

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