Denver guide
Child or pet locked in a car
Dial 911. A kid or a dog shut in a car is an emergency for police and firefighters, who can break glass without asking anybody, and it stays that way whether it's August or February.
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Colorado's rescue law
Under HB17-1179, signed April 13, 2017, Colorado shields a bystander who breaks into a locked car to rescue an at-risk person or animal, as long as that bystander believes the danger is imminent, confirms the car is locked, looks for the owner and calls 911 or another first responder before breaking in, uses only the force needed, and stays with the person or animal until responders get there.
Summer
The National Weather Service warns that a closed car heats quickly, even on a mild day. Denver's high-altitude sun doesn't help.
Winter
The cold is dangerous too. DIA averages 6 nights a year below zero (NOAA), and a small child or a pet in a car with the engine off can chill fast.
Afterward
When everybody is out and safe, a locksmith can handle the lock and any broken glass or door damage. Car lockouts.
What Denver callers ask about this
Can I break a window to save a dog in Colorado?
Under the 2017 law, you're protected if you believe the animal faces imminent danger, confirm the car is locked, look for the owner and call 911 or another responder before breaking in, use only the force necessary, and wait with the animal until help comes.