I have a service dog so normally I dont have the problem but.............the dog comes first , so leaving the animal in the sweltering heat is not an option.......suggest a small generator for the airstream that allows you to put the A/C on for the dog........leave the dog in a locked running vehicle with A/C on and hope the dog is mean enough to keep others out..............pack sandwiches and cold drinks and skip all of the above.........but dont leave the dog in a hot environment or there is a good chance you will come back to broken windows and a fat fine.....or like one man , the judge will make you sit in a sweltering car and see how long it takes for you to want out..

With regard to a locked car with it running, I tried that some years ago when it was cold out.  I went out and started the vehicle and removed the key fob to take back inside with me.  Guess what?  With that arrangement, the fob wouldn't unlock the car when we returned.  So, the wife had to use her key to unlock the car so we could get in and go home.

Not doing that ever again.  But, if you're solo, I guess you could always carry both sets of keys.  I also understand that some systems with remote start will allow one to start and run the vehicle and still be locked.  I don't know for sure though.  I don't do remote start as I'm always concerned that if I start it, and someone decides to jimmy a door to gain access, I would be giving them access to my vehicle to be driven away.

Terry

There are always possibilites... striking up friendships with you CG neighbors might result in one of them being willing to dog-sit your furbaby while you went into town. Be sure to offer to do a beer run or watch they furbaby (if they have one) for them (or whatever within reason).  When Sherry & Jesse (WestWardHo) visited their family in the Chicago area, we offered to dog-sit their Sadie for the day. Now, granted, we had a vested interest in picking their brains on all things RV and our future plans which they gladly discussed with us (not mention giving our Josie a playdate, after a proper introduction, JosieTV videos are available in the lobby for $19.95 with free shipping), but such a "trade" was a win-win and we are so very glad to have met them and we will pay forward that spirit. (Virtual hugs to you Sherry, again, on Jesse's passing) 

If you are very private person, such ideas may be harder to accomplish. Helping others has it's own rewards and can easily become contagious. Imagine a world of people helping each other!

FWIW, Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 7th of October 2015 09:49:19 AM

Will offers up some good Plan B's.

Plan C? - I know a lot of K-9 law enforcement types and they have system installed on their vehicles designed exclusively for the safety and security of the dog.  Part 1 of the system is an ignition over-ride switch.  This allows the vehicle to be left running (while being locked and secure) without having the key in the ignition.  I believe you can get this feature by itself. 

Part 2 of the system is an automatic ignition start feature that detects the internal temperature of the vehicle and once a predetermined threshold is met (just like a thermostat in in a RV, TT or 5'r) the engine kicks on.

 I don't think either option (or both) is terribly expensive but it would have to be installed by someone with experience in outfitting specialty vehicles (ie, Code-3, Odyssey, Farber, etc). You'd also risk voiding the vehicle warranty due to the modification of the wiring harness.

Just my $.02, my dogs are like my kids - they don't get left alone in any situation that I wouldn't leave an unattended child in. It's just a matter of lifestyle applied decision making.

If we need a break to take on a bipedal only endeavor, we've had really good luck with finding qualified (and insured and bonded) dog sitters through Rover.com.