OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Senate has unanimously passed Substitute Senate Bill 5833, which would allow vehicle owners to leave their engines running for up to 30 minutes while unattended if the purpose is to protect a pet from excessive heat or cold.

Under current law, it is generally unlawful to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running. The bill creates an exception when heating or cooling is necessary to prevent harm to an animal inside the vehicle.

State law already makes it a civil infraction to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle if it could be harmed by heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or water. Law enforcement and animal control officers are authorized to enter a vehicle to remove an animal believed to be at risk.

The measure passed the Senate on February 11, 2026, with a 48-0 vote and would take effect 90 days after adjournment of the legislative session if enacted into law.