Disney Guests Horrified After Security Rushes to Save Trapped Pet
Planning a trip to Disneyland Resort in Southern California can feel like an adventure all its own. Before you even arrive at the gates, guests face dozens of choices about how their magical getaway will unfold. Will you be traveling by car or catching a flight into Orange County? Should you book a stay at one of the three official Disneyland Resort hotels, or opt for a nearby Good Neighbor property? Are Park Hopper tickets worth the splurge, or would focusing on one park per day be better for your budget?
And speaking of budget, how much should you set aside for souvenirs and meals? Each detail adds to the excitement, but it can also make the experience feel overwhelming.
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For those traveling with pets, planning becomes even more complicated. Unlike Walt Disney World in Florida, which has its own kennel service, Disneyland Resort does not offer an on-property option for furry companions. That means families need to arrange care in advance.
Thankfully, pet-friendly hotels in the Anaheim area provide plenty of options, and guests can even call Guest Information for guidance. There are also services like Rover, or the always reliable option of leaving pets with trusted friends or family members. With so many choices, it’s never been easier to ensure pets remain safe while their owners enjoy a day at the parks.
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Unfortunately, not every guest takes advantage of these options. Some choose carelessness, leaving their animals in precarious situations. That neglect can lead to heartbreaking and dangerous consequences. This very scenario unfolded recently when guests at Disneyland were stunned by what they witnessed in one of the Resort’s busiest parking structures.
According to Reddit user Opposite-Spare8637, they were walking through the Mickey & Friends parking garage when they first noticed a dog that appeared to be in distress, barking incessantly and struggling in the stifling conditions.
wtf is wrong with people?? it reached 90° today and at 8pm it’s still 80°. they left the windows cracked and a food and water bowl in the backseat, so they planned the dog to stay in there for hours on end. dog was barking its head off too and panting so much. it’s so sad. this was in the mickey and friends parking garage
someone left their dog in the car
byu/Opposite-Spare8637 inDisneyland
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They noted the temperature had reached 90 degrees earlier in the day, and even by evening, the air outside hovered around 80. Inside a parked vehicle, that heat becomes even more dangerous. Experts warn that at an outside temperature of 90 degrees, the interior of a car can climb to 133° in just one hour. Even at 80 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can hit 123° within 60 minutes.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the guest quickly contacted Disney security. According to the update shared online, security cast members responded immediately. The Redditor said that security asked them to give the dog space, assuring them that they were trained to handle emergencies like this.
They noted that the car bore South Dakota license plates, suggesting the family had driven across several states with their pet in tow. What remains unclear is how long the poor animal had been confined in the vehicle before it was discovered.
The poster also admitted they were torn about whether to involve law enforcement. They considered calling the Anaheim police, but wasnʼt sure if that would make things worse. For now, Disney security handled the situation, though the outcome for the guests involved, and their pet remains unknown.
This is far from the first time animals have been left behind in cars while their owners visit Disney parks. Sadly, not every case ends well. In 2024, a story out of Walt Disney World revealed that a man had left four puppies inside a vehicle at Disney Springs while his family went out to eat.
The dogs were rushed to the Animal Kingdom Animal Hospital, but despite emergency treatment, one puppy did not survive and had to be euthanized. In that case, the puppies were not returned to the owner and were eventually adopted by Disney World firefighters.
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California law makes situations like this even more serious.
According to Penal Code 597.7:
“It is illegal to leave an animal in a car if by doing so you endanger the health or well-being of the animal. Do not leave an animal in your car during hot or warm weather. Other factors to consider are if the car is in the sun and if the windows are rolled up not allowing ventilation. Your best course is to leave your pet at home when you run errands.”
It’s important to remember that Disney security teams are trained to step in when emergencies arise. In this case, their quick response may have saved a life. But security cast members can only do so much; guests themselves must prioritize their pets’ safety. While Disney parks bring joy and magic to millions, that joy quickly fades when an animal is left in a dangerous situation, relying on strangers to intervene.
The dog spotted in the Mickey & Friends parking garage was fortunate that someone acted quickly. Yet the outcome beyond that remains a mystery. We do not know if police became involved, if the owners faced charges, or even if the animal was ultimately returned to them.
Stories like this highlight a sobering truth: while many people treat their pets as family, there are always those who show less concern for their welfare. With temperatures soaring in late August and early September, and cars turning into ovens within minutes, it’s a reminder that “planning” to leave an animal in such conditions can be deadly.
Are you surprised that some guests still leave their pets in cars while they head into the parks? Do you think Disney security should involve the police more often in these cases? Should guests who endanger their animals face charges, or should their pets be permanently taken away? Share your thoughts with us in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective on this disturbing issue.
