Arken Zoo – Sweden’s largest pet store chain – has created the Heatstriker, a new product that combines an emergency hammer with a water container. Tthe dual-purpose tool allows quick rescue of a pet trapped in a car as well as direct access to drinking water.

Supported by Swedish law, the Heatstriker can be used to smash a car window if an animal’s health or life is in danger. The relevant legal clause and educational information about dangerous temperatures are printed on the bottle itself, while the packaging displays the steps users need to take before using the Heatstriker.

This summer, Heatstrikers are displayed on parking lots around Sweden, available for the public to use in an emergency. The Heatstriker will also be sold in Arken Zoo stores nationwide.

The main purpose of the Heatstriker is to serve as a powerful reminder to never leave pets in a hot car.

Sarah Frelin Ekvall, Head of Marketing at Arken Zoo, says: “As we are expecting a record hot summer, it is of utmost importance that no pets are left in hot cars. The Heatstriker provides an opportunity to act in an emergency by smashing the car window safely in order to save a life, as supported by law.

“Essentially, we hope that the Heatstriker will never be required, and instead serve as an important reminder that cars are for transportation only, never to leave a pet in a locked, hot car, not even for a ‘quick, few minutes’.”