Helpful Information

Even on mild days, a parked car can quickly become deadly for pets.

When outside temperatures are just 78°F, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to 100°F within minutes. On a 90°F day, interior temperatures can reach 109°F in under 10 minutes. This can cause organ failure and a painful, preventable death.

If you believe a pet is in immediate danger:

• Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately
   
• Check to see if the vehicle is locked
   
• Only enter the vehicle if you reasonably believe the animal is in imminent danger
   
• Use only the amount of force necessary
   
• Remain with the animal until first responders arrive
   

Florida law provides protections for individuals who act in good faith to rescue a vulnerable person or animal under these circumstances.

When in doubt, call for help first. Acting quickly can save a life.

Introducing a new dog into your home can take time and patience. A thoughtful introduction helps reduce stress and sets both dogs up for success.

Helpful tips to consider:

• Meet in a neutral location.
  Choose a quiet area away from either dog’s home territory.
   
• Have one handler per dog.
  Each dog should have a calm, attentive person managing them.
   
• Keep dogs on equal footing.
  Avoid having one dog loose while the other is restrained. Uneven control can create stress and tension.
   
• Allow brief, calm introductions.
  Let the dogs approach and sniff briefly, similar to passing another dog during a walk. The goal is calm curiosity—not prolonged interaction.
   
• Take a short walk together first.
  Walking side-by-side can help dogs relax before entering the home.
   
• Enter the home calmly and on leash.
  Keep the leashes on initially and observe their behavior.
   
• Be patient and go at their pace.
  Some dogs adjust quickly, while others need more time. If early interactions go well, you can carefully allow off-leash time while closely supervising.
   

Just like people, dogs form relationships at different speeds. Taking things slowly helps build trust and confidence.

👉 Learn more:
Introducing Dogs to Each Other – Best Friends Animal Society

The Best Friends Animal Society offers this important guidance:

Some dogs do well living with cats, while others cannot safely coexist with felines. In some cases, a dog may live comfortably with certain cats—depending on age, temperament, and activity level—but not others. Even if a dog has lived successfully with cats in the past, every dog and every cat is an individual, and each introduction is different.
 

Slow, thoughtful introductions are key to success.

• Start with separation.
  Allow your cat and dog to see each other through a baby gate or crate.
   
• Introduce gradually.
  Give both pets time to adjust to each other’s scents, movements, and presence. Increase exposure slowly over time.
   
• Keep dogs leashed initially.
  Maintain control until you are confident both pets can safely share the same space.
   
• Watch body language closely.
  Calm curiosity is a good sign; stress, fear, or fixation means you should slow down the process.
   
• Ask for guidance.
  Shelter staff can offer helpful tips based on your pet’s individual temperament.
   
• Do your research before adopting.
  Consider the personalities and energy levels of both animals to ensure a safe and successful match.
   

👉 Learn more:
6 Steps to Introduce a New Cat to Your Dog – Adopt a Pet