Speaking of Dogs in Cars

[nomad100]

Is it OK to leave a dog in a car when the car is running with the AC on?

I am trying to think how I will be able to wrangle 2 dogs in crates for my transport this Friday. 

The trip is about 3 hours and I know that Alfalfa isn't a good car rider so I will need to stop and give him the opportunity to walk around.  Charley, so I have been told, is a total spaz on the leash and at 70 lbs I am not confident about holding onto him and Falf at the same time, especially since Falf is a runner. 

So my plan was to take them out individually and walk them around a rest stop briefly but to leave the SUV locked but running with the AC on. 

I would not be out of site of the vehicle. 

Since I will be alone, I can't think of any other way to do it. 

[Alyssa]

Locked with the AC on? Do you have 2 sets of keys for that?

[nomad100]

Aug 21, 2013 14:04:01 GMT -5 Alyssa said:

Locked with the AC on? Do you have 2 sets of keys for that?

I have a remote starter so no key needed. 

[nomad100]

Aug 21, 2013 14:04:37 GMT -5 @scottydeux said:

No. Dogs can drive.

I know.  This is why they will be in crates so they can't leave me at the rest stop. 

[Alyssa]

Aug 21, 2013 14:06:30 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

Aug 21, 2013 14:04:01 GMT -5 Alyssa said:

Locked with the AC on? Do you have 2 sets of keys for that?

I have a remote starter so no key needed. 

Well that makes sense.  I would probably do it in that case if I was near the car.

[snickers]

If they are in the crate and they can't shift gears by accident or something then I don't see anything wrong with it for the dog, but it will suck gas and stuff.

[Deleted]

As long as you can see the car I vote fine, and from what you're describing safer for all involved.

I wouldn't do it regularly or for long but that doesn't sound like what's happening anyway. And that's because a police dog died here when the AC failed and started to blow hot on an already hot day. But the cop was inside for 30 min, I doubt your walks will be that long.

[cbwm1]

Well, I left my child in a locked, running, air conditioned car 8 times two weeks ago, so I say it's okay for you to take turns walking the dogs.

[nomad100]

Aug 21, 2013 14:14:06 GMT -5 snickers said:

If they are in the crate and they can't shift gears by accident or something then I don't see anything wrong with it for the dog, but it will suck gas and stuff.

I am not that worried about the gas since it will only be for 10-20 minutes total.  In the scheme of things the cost isn't that great.

I am more worried that I might lose control of one of the dogs and it would run away from me at the rest stop if I don't walk them individually. 

[TrickyBob]

It's fine. There is a difference between what you NEED to do and doing it just because. Taking your dog shopping because "he looks so lonely, he has to come with" and leaving them in a car for a long time - dick move. Transporting animals and needing to walk them separately so you are in control - not a dick move. You are conscious of how long, can you see the car, what is the temperature, etc.