Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jul 21, 2015

Stopping for dinner and leaving the dog in A/C....

so, planning 5 hour drive. I have a german shepherd. I have a Brand new Ram 1500 with climate control and remote start that I can check interior temperature by looking at my key fob. my worry is that if we stop half way for a 45 minute dinner, and I let the truck run with the air on using the starter, monitor the temp, etc is that enough to stop some do gooder from smashing my truck window to "save" her (its legal for them to do that now and they don't have to prove a darn thing) other people leave their dogs in the trailer with vents opened so people won't see I REFUSE to do that myself, I mean, the dog is going to be sitting in a/c.... any thoughts,? I mean if i had an older vehicle I couldn't monitor or trust the a/c this would be a different discussion... worse comes to worse we just drive straight through but i know we'd like to stop and the dog would be just fine! am I over thinking this?

24 Replies

DavidP
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
When we travel the kids and wife eat inside (usually a place like Subway/fast food) and I stay with the truck and eat outside. I would never leave my truck running out of site with our dog in it. I trust the technology in monitoring the temps more than I trust some people encountering a running vehicle.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
In some states it is illegal to leave a vehicle idling and unattended. In some states it is also illegal to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle regardless of whether the AC is on. I would check the laws where you stop. In addition some vehicles will shut off if they overheat. Your key fob should warn you if that happens but what if it fails? I would not risk it. Pack a lunch and include the pet or get fast food.
amandasgramma
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015
good point that TucsonJim suggested. Also, you might consider a fast food joint and eating in the truck.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2015
Just a thought. You might try taping a note to a side window (on both sides) stating that there is a dog in the truck and the temperature is being controlled by air conditioning. You might also leave your cell number on the note for anyone with concerns.