Summer in the Central Valley makes pavement and car interiors dangerous in minutes. The check-in routine at the kennel is built around that.
How fast a car heats
The AVMA reports that the inside of a parked car can rise about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes and nearly 30 degrees in 20, and more than 40 degrees above the outside temperature after an hour. Shade and cracked windows make no real difference. The CDC adds that even cool days can produce dangerous temperatures inside a closed car. Warning signs of heat stress are heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, unsteadiness and collapse, and that is an emergency for a vet.
What California law says
Penal Code section 597.7 says a person shall not leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the animal's health or well-being due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water. The practical rule is to keep a dog with you or keep the car cool and the stay short and close.
How check-in works at Happy Paws
Please leave your pet in the car while you check in and out. A staff member carries in food and belongings and walks your pet to the run, which prevents parking-lot scuffles and escapes. On a warm day leave the air conditioning on. Plan to keep the check-in quick, and let the office know which car is yours. The pavement can be hot, so staff may scoop up your dog and hurry in to protect its feet. That is the reason, not rudeness. The hot pavement and paws guide shows a quick test you can do with your hand.
Timing your day
Drop-off and pick-up windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM, so the morning window is the cooler choice in July and August. Check-out is by 11:30 AM. If you pick up in the afternoon you pay half of the nightly fee. Do not run errands with your dog in the car on the way, and bring water for the ride. See the heat stroke guide and how hot is too hot for dogs for local numbers.