a method is provided for rescuing an animal trapped in a vehicle . the method includes providing an application which a user may utilize to report incidences of animals trapped in vehicles ; receiving an indication from a user of the application that an incident has occurred in which an animal is trapped in a vehicle ; obtaining from the user information including the location of the vehicle in which the animal is trapped , and identifying characteristics of the vehicle ; and sending an alert about the incident to an animal rescue authority , said alert including the information obtained from the user .