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Michigan is among 18 states without specific laws against leaving dogs in parked cars.

Leaving a dog or any pet in a car during warm weather can be deadly for the animal, and in most states it is illegal, but letting a dog out or breaking into a car in Michigan may get you into trouble.

In 2025, 87 dogs and other pets have already died from heat-related illnesses , including deaths in hot cars, across the U.S. as of Aug. 5, according to PETA, an animal rights organization.

Children and pets are often victims of hot car deaths and, according to USA TODAY, such incidents typically take place from May through September — with the majority happening in June, July and August.

Kids and Car Safety says 20 children have died in hot vehicles in 2025, none in Michigan.

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