Stafford, VA – The Stafford County Animal Control Office reminds citizens that Animal Control officers will aggressively enforce local ordinances that prohibit confining pets in vehicles during hot summer weather. Failure to follow the law can result in misdemeanor citations and significant financial penalties. 

“The temperature inside closed vehicles can exceed 100 degrees in a matter of minutes,” said Mike Null, Chief Animal Control Officer. “Animals left in cars can quickly suffer brain damage, heat stroke and suffocation. What you think may be a fun excursion for your pet could turn out to be deadly. Leave your pets at home in a cool house or outside under a shade tree with plenty of fresh water.” 

The Animal Control Office strictly enforces Stafford County Code Section 5-8 prohibiting the confinement of animals in vehicles. The law does not allow for a minimum time a pet can be confined. The Code stipulates that once the outside temperature reaches 70 degrees, the interior of a vehicle must be air conditioned to maintain an air temperature of 80 degrees or less. If an animal is discovered in a vehicle with a temperature in excess of 80 degrees, a citation for a class 4 misdemeanor will be issued. If an animal is found in a closed vehicle and judged to be suffering from heat-related distress, the animal will be removed and its owner charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. The pet’s owner will be responsible for all expenses related to removal of the animal, emergency veterinary treatment and impoundment. In both cases, if officers cannot determine who confined the animal, the registered owner of the vehicle will be charged. Class 4 misdemeanors are punishable by fines up to $250, and class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum of $2,500 in fines and up to 12 months in jail.

If individuals see an animal in a parked car that appears to be in distress, they should call 911 immediately. If the car is in a business or mall parking lot, get a full description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, and ask store employees to page the car’s owner. If possible, stay at the scene until law enforcement personnel arrive to direct them to the vehicle.

For more information, contact the Animal Control Office at (540) 658-7387 or e-mail Mike Null at mnull@co.stafford.va.us. 

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