Orange County Hosts Demonstration of the Dangers of Pets and Children Left in Unattended Vehicles

WHAT:
During the summer months in central Florida, both tourism and temperatures are at their peak. This season inevitably sees an increase in reports of pets and children left in dangerously hot cars.

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR), and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) will hold a media event at Barnett Park to provide a visual demonstration of the consequences of leaving pets and children unattended in vehicles.

Unattended vehicles can heat up to 20 degrees higher in just five minutes and continue to climb. This is dangerous for pets and children, leading to easily avoidable tragedies.

At the event, Orange County Animal Services Veterinarian Dr. Carmen-Susan Glotflelty-Ortiz will discuss the medical consequences for pets, Orange County Fire Rescue EMS Battalion Chief Alexander Ralls-Novo will talk about the dangers these situations pose to children, and Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Summer McCray will explain the charges people could face.

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
10 a.m.

WHERE:
Barnett Park
4801 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808

VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Animal Services Officers breaking a car door to demonstrate how they get into vehicles, temperature checking a vehicle to demonstrate how hot cars can get

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNTIES:

• Dr. Carmen-Susan Glotfelty-Ortiz, Veterinarian, Orange County Animal Services
• Rick Hunyadi, Training Coordinator, Orange County Animal Services
• Chief Alexander Ralls-Novo, EMS Battalion Chief, Orange County Fire Rescue
• Deputy Summer McCray, Orange County Sheriff’s Office

For more information, please visit www.ocnetpets.com