'Pets can die within minutes': Animal welfare inspector warns of heat

So, would you leave your unattended baby or puppy with just a cracked window?

Especially since NSW Ambulance has urged people to prepare for heatwave temperatures in areas such as Batemans Bay, Bega, Bombala and Eden over the coming week.

While at the extreme end of the scale, imagine how it would be on a day such as Sunday when the mercury topped 39 degrees in Bega.

Animal Welfare League Inspector Amanda Shane said leaving pets in hot cars was extremely dangerous because the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on mild days.

"Like babies, they can't communicate or do anything about it if they are feeling hot, so the least they can do is vocalise and there's a point when they will lie down if they have no energy," she said.

Inspector Shane noted how some people couldn't tell if a dog was stressed, sleeping or passed out from the heat, so she emphasised not to become complacent "because you've left them in a car before".

"Pets can suffer from heatstroke or even die within minutes, as they can't cool themselves as effectively as humans," she said.

"All you have to do is stop for a second at traffic lights with no breeze coming through your car to realise how hot it can get if you don't have any aircon on.

"It's a preventable tragedy, and the best way to protect your pet is to never leave them unattended in a car, no matter how quick the errand.

"Or better still, leave them at home where there is aircon and ample shade and water sources."

Inspector Shane said she recommended not leaving them in vehicles at all and said if people didn't have this luxury, then tying the animal up outside the store you're going to would be better.

"Otherwise, just avoid it altogether. If you know your actions mean you're going into a town centre, leave the dog somewhere else that's more appropriate with access to shelter and water," she said.

"It is hard, and I understand people are out on holidays, and they take their pets with them.

"It sounds easy just leaving them in the car, but temperatures can change quickly."

Leaving animals locked and/or distressed in a hot car can result in fines from police or animal welfare inspectors.