The temperatures are rising fast and so are the numbers of “dog in hot vehicle” calls received by Washoe County Regional Animal Services.

With temperatures expected to rise into the 90s this weekend outside the Tahoe basin, Animal Services is reminding pet owners that leaving a pet in an enclosed and unattended vehicle with the windows just a few inches down, even for a short time, can be deadly.

It takes only a few minutes on a warm day for animals to succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

When it gets to the point where an animal’s well-being is threatened, Animal Control Officers will take the necessary steps, as obligated by the law, to save an endangered animal by removing it from the vehicle. Even if they have to break a window, to do it.

The public is encouraged to report distressed animals locked in hot cars immediately by calling 775.322.3647.