Pets in vehicles during breakdowns face heat and cold risks that develop fast. In summer, interior temperatures in a sun-parked vehicle can exceed 130°F within 30 minutes. In winter, hypothermia risk develops in cold-soaked vehicles.
Tell the dispatcher you have pets in the vehicle. This affects dispatch priority and the kind of advice the dispatcher gives.
Heat: crack windows for ventilation, park in shade if possible, run the engine for AC if the vehicle is still operational (this works as long as the vehicle has gas and the engine runs).
Cold: bundle pets, share body heat, run the engine for heat if operational. Watch for carbon monoxide if exhaust is blocked by snow.
Long waits: consider having a friend or rideshare pick up the pet and take it somewhere comfortable while you wait.