Can I leave my dog in the car for five minutes?

As any dog owner will know, leaving your pooch in the car for an extended period, or amid high temperatures, is both unsafe and unethical – but what about leaving your dog in the car for a quick five minutes while you run an errand?

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Across Australia, dog owners are strongly discouraged from leaving their animals in the car, even for a brief period. Here's what you need to know about the relevant laws and penalties.

Technically, it is not an offence to leave an animal unattended in a car for a short time (typically 10 minutes or less) provided it is not a hot day and the animal is secure and has access to water, shelter and adequate ventilation.

However, in every state and territory of Australia, dog owners could be fined or even face imprisonment if they leave their dog in the car on a warm day. Or if there is a reasonable risk to their dog's health and safety, and/or their dog becomes distressed as a result of being left in the car.

Members of the public can also report dog owners to police or other authorities if they believe a dog is at risk, and the resulting penalties can be at the discretion of the reporting officer.

To be safe, dog owners should avoid leaving their pets unattended in the car, as the interior temperature of a vehicle can rise quickly (even on a cool day), and it can be difficult to predict if and when an animal could become distressed.

Victoria has a specific provision for leaving animals in cars in its Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Act, which states, "It is illegal to leave an animal unattended inside a car for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees Celsius".

Police in the Australian Capital Territory advise, "It is not an offence to leave an animal in a motor vehicle. The offence occurs when the health, safety or welfare of the animal is in jeopardy or the animal is suffering or in distress".

Under New South Wales's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979), a person could be charged for committing an act of cruelty if a dog becomes distressed or unwell, or dies as a result of being left alone in a car.

It's a similar case in Queensland, where dog owners could be charged with cruelty to animals if they are found to breach their duty of care by leaving a dog unattended in the car.

Complicating matters is the fact it is also illegal in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales to leave the windows down on an unattended vehicle, meaning it is nearly impossible to provide your pet with adequate airflow.

In Western Australia, the RSPCA advises, "It is an offence to confine an animal anywhere, including in a vehicle, where it suffers, or is likely to suffer, and owners can face prosecution.

"People who leave their dog in a hot car on a hot day can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act (2002) and face a maximum penalty of $50,000 or five years' imprisonment, and a lengthy prohibition order preventing them from owning an animal for a period of time determined by the courts."

South Australia has a similar approach, with SA dog owners warned against leaving dogs alone in cars, or risk facing fines and imprisonment if they are found to have caused their pet distress or harm.

The Northern Territory Government also cautions dog owners to never leave their animals in a parked car, even with the windows open.

"If your animal is left in a parked vehicle and it suffers injury or death, you can be charged under the Animal Welfare Act," the NT Government website states.

"The fine can be very substantial and you could be facing two years' imprisonment. Animal welfare inspectors have the right to enter your vehicle to rescue any animal."

Tasmania's Animal Welfare Regulations state that "a person with care or charge of a dog must not leave the dog unattended in a vehicle where there is a reasonable likelihood of the dog suffering from heat stress or cold stress".

Regardless of the location or circumstances, dog owners must never leave their dog in the boot of a sedan.

Dog owners must also never secure a dog to the metal tray of a ute or trailer, "when the outside temperature is at or above 28 degrees Celsius without the dog having access to an area of insulating material to protect it from contact with the metal surface".

No, breaking the window of a car is illegal. Instead, you should contact the appropriate authority if you believe an animal is in distress or at risk in a vehicle.

"Police do not advise members of the public to break into motor vehicles in the event an animal is in distress," ACT Policing states.

Instead, police suggest contacting the police, your local RSPCA branch or – if the incident occurs in a shopping centre or apartment building – contacting the management of that building.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, police and animal welfare officers such as representatives from the RSPCA are empowered to enter a premises, including a vehicle, to assist an animal believed to be in distress. They are also permitted to use force if necessary to do so.