Help Make It Illegal to Leave Pets Unattended in Vehicles in Missouri
I've witnessed the heartbreaking sight of pets left alone in sweltering vehicles, their owners nowhere in sight, believing there would be no consequences. Even more upsetting was seeing people walk past without realizing just how quickly these situations can become life-threatening. Those moments inspired me to take action.

I have drafted the Animal Protection in Vehicles Act and have officially submitted the proposed legislation to my Missouri State Representative and Missouri State Senator in the hope that one of them will sponsor the bill during a future legislative session. Now, I need your help. The more signatures this petition receives, the stronger the message we send that Missourians want this law passed.

Missouri is one of the few states that still does not have a law specifically addressing the dangers of leaving pets unattended in vehicles during dangerous temperatures. While more than 30 states have already recognized the need for these protections, Missouri continues to leave animals vulnerable.

Leaving an animal in a hot or dangerously cold vehicle is not just irresponsible—it can be deadly. Temperatures inside a parked car can climb to fatal levels within minutes, even on days that don't seem especially hot. Every year, pets suffer permanent injury or die from completely preventable heatstroke and exposure.

The Animal Protection in Vehicles Act would establish clear standards for when leaving an animal in a vehicle becomes illegal, create meaningful penalties for those who endanger animals, and provide legal protections for people who step in to save an animal in imminent danger. It would also help educate pet owners about the serious risks of leaving animals unattended in vehicles.

This petition is deeply personal to me.

In October 2025, I lost my five-year-old dog, Marley. He was my soul dog. His death had absolutely nothing to do with being left in a vehicle, and it was not preventable. Marley battled multiple diseases and disorders, and despite every treatment available, he ultimately passed away from multi-organ failure.

His veterinarians all agreed that I did everything I possibly could for him. I invested countless hours, endless love, and more money than most people would ever spend trying to save him. But sometimes, despite doing everything right, the outcome is still heartbreaking.

After losing Marley, I found myself carrying an overwhelming amount of grief and anger. One thought kept coming back to me: while I couldn't save him, there are so many animals who die from things that are completely preventable.

No family should lose a pet because someone decided to "just run in for a minute."

I couldn't change Marley's story, but maybe I can help change someone else's.

This proposed law is my way of honoring his memory. If it prevents even one animal from suffering or saves even one family from experiencing the pain of losing a beloved pet to a completely preventable tragedy, every bit of effort will have been worth it.

If you believe Missouri should hold pet owners accountable for leaving animals in dangerous conditions, please sign this petition and share it with your family and friends.

Every signature demonstrates public support for this legislation and increases the likelihood that Missouri lawmakers will take action.

Together, we can help make it illegal to leave pets in dangerous vehicles in Missouri and create a safer future for the animals who depend on us.

Please sign today and help turn compassion into law.