Every summer, thousands of cats and dogs die needlessly after they are left inside cars. With the warm summer heat, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) receives several calls each day alerting us to dogs locked in cars. So far this summer, the ARL's Animal Care and Control Officers have cited five people for leaving their dog(s) in a car; two of those citations were this week alone. Pets should never be left unattended in a car when the temperature is more than 70 degrees. When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked open. "Summer time heat can be brutal, especially for pets," said Tom Colvin, Executive Director for the Animal Rescue League, "Not only is it dangerous to leave your pet in a warm car, the Animal Control Officers are taking a tough stance against this unnecessary crime with a citation to violators to appear in court." Owners may face a simple misdemeanor and fine if found guilty. The ARL reminds people to act immediately if they see a distressed animal in anunattended car. In the city of Des Moines, residents can call ARL Animal Care & Control at (515) 283-4811. Residents outside of Des Moines can call their local law enforcement's nonemergency phone number.

A few other tips to keep pets happy & healthy this summer are:

• Always provide shelter


• Always provide cool, fresh water


• Exercise your pet in the morning or late evening, when the weather is coolest - do not overdo it


• Keep pets away from auto coolant puddles in parking spaces or garages - it's poisonous!


• Beware of hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete & truck beds that can burn tender animal feet


• Don't let dogs ride in the backs of pickup trucks


• Keep your pet well-groomed & don't let them become overweight