AutoZone Nabs PETA Award for Lifesaving Hot Car Warning Message

Company Acts to Keep Dogs and Kids From Dying of Heatstroke in Parked Cars

For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2020

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Business Award and a box of delicious dog-shaped vegan chocolates are on their way from PETA to AutoZone, because the company is now sharing PETA’s message about the dangers of leaving dogs and children in parked vehicles. AutoZone has been issuing a daily directive to its more than 5,835 stores (located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) instructing employees to recommend curbside pickup to customers traveling with animals or children.

“Even when a car is parked in the shade with the windows cracked, dogs and children can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, and we’ve seen this tragedy occur many times this year,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “AutoZone’s recommendation is likely to save many lives by reminding shoppers never to leave a vulnerable family member behind when they step away from their vehicle.”

At least 27 companion animals have died from heat-related causes this year. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for intervening in such life-or-death situations.

Dogs showing any symptoms of heatstroke—including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, or loss of coordination—should be taken into the shade, given water to drink, and cooled off with a lukewarm or cool (not cold) towel placed on their head and chest. A veterinarian should be called immediately.

AutoZone will receive an award letter, a framed certificate, and a box of delicious vegan chocolates.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.