Leaving Dogs in Cars in Colorado: Laws, Dangers, and Safer Options
Spring in Denver brings sunshine, blooming flowers, and that itch to check off everything on your Home Depot to-do list. But while you’re loading up on mulch and paint, your dog’s safety might be at risk — especially if you’re thinking of leaving them in the car “just for a minute.”
Spoiler alert: leaving dogs in cars is not safe, and in many cases, it’s not even legal.
Denver’s Climate Is Deceptive
Even when it feels like a mild 70°F outside, cars can heat up fast — especially in a high-elevation city like Denver. Within 10 minutes, the inside of your vehicle can reach 89°F. In 30 minutes? Over 100°F. Cracked windows don’t help much. For dogs, whose bodies don’t sweat like ours, that kind of heat can lead to heatstroke, organ failure, or worse.
It’s not just summer scorchers that pose a risk. On a sunny spring day in Denver, your car can act like a greenhouse. Studies show that when it’s just 72°F outside, the interior of a car can reach 116°F in under an hour — more than enough to send a dog into distress. And since dogs cool down by panting (not sweating), they’re far more vulnerable than we are in enclosed heat.
What the Denver law says about leaving dogs in cars
In Denver, leaving a dog in a hot car can land you in serious legal trouble. According to Denver County Ordinance Sec. 8-131, it’s unlawful to “confine an animal in a vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal due to heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other circumstances.”
Violations can carry fines of up to $999, and in some cases, jail time.
Colorado also has a “Good Samaritan” law. That means if someone sees a dog in distress in a hot car and follows proper steps — like trying to locate the owner and calling 911 — they’re allowed to break the window to rescue the animal without legal liability. You don’t want to be the pet owner whose car ends up on the evening news.
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Dogs can’t say “I’m overheating,” but their bodies try. Look for:
Heavy panting or drooling
Lethargy or weakness
Vomiting
Disorientation or glazed eyes
If your dog shows these signs, move them to a cooler area, offer water (not ice), and call your vet immediately.
Skip the Risk with Simple Precautions
The best prevention is pretty straightforward: don’t leave your dog in the car — period. Not for five minutes. Not even if the windows are cracked or you found a shady spot. The dangers of leaving dogs in cars just aren’t worth it, especially when safer options are easy and accessible.
And it’s not just cars — heat alone can be hard on dogs.
Even outside the vehicle, dogs can quickly overheat on walks, patios, or during backyard play. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They rely on panting to cool down, which makes them far less efficient at handling heat. Add in hot pavement or poor air circulation, and the risk goes up — fast.
Here are a few ways to keep your dog comfortable when temps rise in Colorado:
Walk early or late in the day, when it’s cooler
Carry water and a portable bowl on longer outings
Test the pavement with your hand or use booties to protect paws from hot surfaces
Never rely on cracked windows or parking in the shade — cars still heat up fast
But here’s the truth: dogs don’t want to be your errand buddy when it means sitting in a hot car.
They’d rather be somewhere they can move, play, or nap in peace. That’s where dog daycare comes in. If your day includes stops like grocery runs, hardware stores, or long appointments, a short stay at daycare can keep your dog safe, social, and stress-free — while you check off your to-do list.
K-9 Castle – Dog Daycare That Fits Into Your Day
If you’re heading out for a long errand run — like one of those springtime hauls to Home Depot — there’s an easy fix. K-9 Castle’s Lakewood location is right behind the Home Depot off Wadsworth, making it the perfect stop for your pup.
Instead of sitting in a hot car while you shop for mulch and tools, your dog can stretch, nap, and play in our supervised, climate-controlled daycare. Whether you’re grabbing a hose or spending an hour picking out tile, we’ve got your pup covered — no reservation needed for existing clients.
Daycare by the hour means flexibility for you and fun for your dog. You avoid breaking the law and your pup gets a little castle time.
Dog Daycare Made for Denver & Lakewood Dogs
At both our Lakewood and Denver locations, K-9 Castle offers:
Safe, supervised indoor and outdoor play yards
Drop-in daycare availability
Hourly or full-day options
- Live webcams
Experienced handlers who know dogs
- Affordable dog daycare rates
Dogs get exercise, social time, and attention — all while you handle your errands stress-free.
Cars with “Dog Mode” Features
Some newer vehicles include built-in features that help keep dogs safe and comfortable while parked. These modes aren’t a free pass to leave your dog unattended, but they can offer some peace of mind for very short stops. Here are a few popular options:
Rivian
Rivian’s trucks and SUVs have “Pet Comfort” mode, which keeps the temperature steady and lets people know your dog is okay.
Polestar
Polestar’s electric cars offer a “Pet Mode” that does the same: it maintains the temperature and shows a message for anyone walking by.
BMW
Some BMW models, like the i3, can keep the air running for about 30 minutes after the car is turned off — handy if your dog’s along for the ride.
Hyundai, Kia & Genesis
These brands offer a “Utility Mode” in certain models that keeps the climate control going while parked.
Lucid
Lucid’s luxury EVs now offer “Pet Mode” too — keeping your dog cool and alerting people that your pet is being cared for.
Tesla
Tesla’s “Dog Mode” keeps the car cool and displays a screen message that says your dog is safe and the A/C is on.
Quick Note: These features are helpful in a pinch, but leaving pets alone in any car is still risky. When in doubt, skip the car and drop your dog off at a trusted daycare like K-9 Castle.
Don’t Take Chances — Make the Easy Choice
Leaving your dog in the car isn’t worth the risk. Not in Denver’s springtime sun, and not with daycare just steps away. Next time you’re loading up at Home Depot or running weekend errands, skip the car and drop your dog off at K-9 Castle.
We’re your dog’s castle while you’re away — and in Lakewood, we’re right around the corner.