![Is it Illegal to Leave Your Pet in Your Car in South Dakota?](http://townsquare.media/site/485/files/2017/07/Dog-in-Car.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Is it Illegal to Leave Your Pet in Your Car in South Dakota?
It's the time of the year where a pet left in an unattended vehicle can be a very dangerous thing, depending on the circumstances.
While it may seem safe to leave a pet in your vehicle as you run into a store, it's important to remember that a parked vehicle at 80-degree heat can feel like 104 inside after just 15 minutes.
In a recent study, it was found that 28 states have laws in place to protect animals left unattended in vehicles. But is South Dakota one of these states?
![KXRB logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KXRBAM.png?w=100)
According to the DIY website, Family Handyman, South Dakota is in fact one of the states which protect pets left inside unattended vehicles.
Here's the full list:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
As you can see, there are states from every corner of the United States on this list. And while they all offer some sort of protection towards animals; some states go further than others.
For example, in 12 states it's legal for an average citizen to break into a vehicle to free an animal in distress. South Dakota is not one of these states.
To see how long it's safe for your pet in an unattended vehicle, check out the Good Calculators website.
And for the full, in-depth story, visit the Family Handyman article here.
Story Source: The Family Handyman
Story Source: Good Calculators
Best Wings in Sioux Falls Area
More From KXRB
![South Dakota Dairy Queen Sells Massive One-Day Total of Blizzards](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T050125.4601.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why Crypto Sports Betting Is Taking Over](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-tim-hart-mRyMi1qsdqs-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Single? South Dakota Photographer Creates Magical Blind Dates](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-24T052555.9271.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Can You Handle Driving on Iowa’s Most Adventurous Road?](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T061812.025.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sign-Up For Adorable Sioux Falls Puppy Yoga Class This Week](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T093259.037.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Look Out! 10 High-Risk Minnesota Fugitives Wanted & On The Run](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T061450.7911.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Yikes! Masked Woman Robs Local Sioux Falls Pizza Spot With Gun](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T122013.508.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Popular Downtown Sioux Falls Eatery Introduces New Dog Menu](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T070116.685.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hungry? The Biggest South Dakota Chislic Fest Is This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/481/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T071455.667.jpg?w=980&q=75)