City of Henderson Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Animals from Extreme Heat

Henderson Animal Protection Services urges residents to protect pets as temperatures rise

HENDERSON, Nev. (May 21, 2026) — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend and with temperatures already climbing into the triple digits, Henderson Animal Protection Services is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep animals safe from extreme heat this summer.

Extreme heat can quickly become deadly for animals, particularly in Southern Nevada where pavement temperatures and enclosed outdoor spaces can become hazardous within minutes. APS encourages pet owners to take proactive steps to keep animals safe during periods of high heat.

APS urges residents to follow these important heat safety tips:

• Always provide pets with fresh, clean water 
• Ensure animals have access to shade and cool indoor shelter 
• Avoid walking pets during the hottest parts of the day 
• Test pavement before walks. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws
• Never leave pets unattended outside during extreme heat 
• Never leave animals inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes 

Signs of heat distress in pets can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse. Residents who observe an animal in distress should contact Henderson Animal Protection Services immediately.

Under Henderson Municipal Codes 7.06.020 and 7.06.030, pet owners are required to provide animals with adequate shelter and protection from weather conditions to maintain the animal in a good state of health. The code requires access to shade when temperatures rise above 85 degrees and additional cooling mechanisms, including misters, swamp coolers or air conditioning, during National Weather Service heat advisories or when temperatures exceed 105 degrees.