Don't leave pets locked in cars, warns Orange RSPCA

It sounds quite simple, but it's something that still happens too many times.

But for anyone still left wondering why leaving a pet in a car alone for any period of time is a bad idea, T'mielle White from Orange RSPCA in NSW's Central Tablelands has the answer.

"Pets have a harder time cooling themselves down than we do," she said.

"There's no access to water, no fresh air and obviously cars get very, very hot and they can't escape it.

"If you see something like this, you can either call the police or the RSPCA cruelty line and the inspectors can be called to the scene."

Asked if it is ever a good idea to leave a pet in a car, she gave a firm "no."

"Treat them as if they were a baby and you would never leave a baby in a car," Ms White said.

"They're a life and it gets hot in a car so never leave a pet in there.

"Even leaving the windows down doesn't attract much air. If you've got an animal or a baby in the car with no windows down it's going to be a disaster."

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A Stanford University study revealed when it's 22 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can rise to 47 degrees.

Offences such as leaving a pet alone in a hot car or without water can carry fines of $5,500 and up to six months in jail.

If a dog dies as a result of being left in a car, charges include $22,500 in fines and two years jail time for the owner.

Ms White also provided some tips on keeping your pet cool this summer.

"We find that frozen treats are good, so we put kibble in a container and fill it with ice and you can also put Vegemite or wet food in to freeze it," she said.

"You can also freeze their toys."