The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has issued a Code Red for the City of Reading due to a sustained heat index above 95 degrees from July 1 – July 5, 2026.
Under Bill #22, an amendment added to the City Code, Chapter 141, Part 2 Animals, Section 205 Caring for Animals in 2015, any person who owns, possesses, or has custody of a dog must bring the animal inside their residence for the duration of the code, except for supervised and necessary bathroom breaks and exercise.
Additionally, non-compliance can result in the animal being removed by an Animal Control Officer from the property and impounded at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Owners will have 48 hours after the code has been lifted to pick up their animal and will be subject to applicable boarding fees.
The following times fall under the issued Code Red:
- 7/1: 12:00 pm-10:00 pm
- 7/2: 9:00 am-10:00 pm
- 7/3: 9:00 am-10:00 pm
- 7/4: 10:00 am-9:00 pm
- 7/5: 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Any person witnessing an unsupervised dog left outside in the elements within the City of Reading should call the Animal Rescue League of Berks County at 610-373-8830 ext. 400 or the non-emergency number for the Reading Police at 610-655-6116.
Even though Code Red is only enforceable within the City of Reading, the ARL encourages every pet owner in Berks County to take precautions with their pets while the high temperatures last.
Heat affects every pet in a different way, and some are more susceptible than others. Particularly, dogs with flat faces, overweight or elderly dogs, and dogs with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, are more vulnerable to overheating.
“Some signs to look for are excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, and hazy, stuporous mental state,” said Dr. Sarah Rivera, Chief Medical Officer at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. “As the signs worsen and your pet continues to overheat, it can lead to more serious signs such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and seizures. If you notice any of these signs, you must go to your vet or an emergency vet immediately.”
To keep pets safe during high temperatures, the ARL recommends:
- Making sure pets always have access to fresh water and shade
- Leaving pets at home, if possible
- Never leave a pet in the car, as temperatures can reach over 120 degrees even with the windows partially opened
- Taking pets outside during the cooler hours of the day and avoiding walking on the blacktop concrete as temperatures can reach temperatures of up to 130F.
- When exercising with pets, take frequent breaks and always bring enough water for you and your pet
