Guildford Borough Council urges residents to protect pets and animals during hot weather
Hot weather can cause significant discomfort and distress to animals. Prolonged exposure may lead to serious illness, injury or death.
We're encouraging you take simple but effective steps to keep animals safe and comfortable during periods of extreme heat.
Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said:
"Our pets and animals are an important part of our lives and community. They rely on us to keep them safe, especially during extreme weather.
"Many of us see our animals as family and in hot weather even small acts of care, like making sure they have shade, fresh water and a cool place to rest, can make a life-saving difference.
"I encourage everyone to take a moment to think about the animals around them and do what they can to help them stay safe, comfortable and cared for during the hot weather."
Keep your pets cool and comfortable
Pets need a constant supply of fresh water and plenty of shade; you can use towels or blankets to help provide this. Pet birds in aviaries should also have shaded spaces and access to water for bathing, and some species will enjoy a light misting.
Cooling aids such as damp towels or cooling pads can help regulate body temperature. Many pets including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs like to rest on these surfaces. Some dogs may also enjoy chewing ice cubes as a way to cool down.
For larger animals, such as horses and donkeys, it's essential they have access to shelter. This could be from trees, hedgerows or field shelters. It's vital they also have a continuous supply of fresh drinking water.
Look out for more vulnerable animals
Certain animals are more at risk in hot weather. Very young or elderly pets, as well as those who are pregnant or unwell, may need more care.
Dog breeds with shortened noses (otherwise known as brachycephalic breeds) such as:
- Pugs
- French Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Bullmastifs
are particularly prone to breathing difficulties and heatstroke.
Some cat breeds also suffer from this, for example:
- Persians
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
Pets with long, thick coats will need extra support such as clipping or cooler environments. Breeds include Angora and Rex rabbits, Husky, Malamute and Labrador Retriever dogs, or Persian and Maine Coon cats.
Supporting local wildlife
Hot, dry conditions can make it difficult for wildlife to find water. You can help by placing shallow dishes of fresh water at ground level for animals such as hedgehogs, foxes and badgers.
A shallow dish with pebbles (kept out of dogs' reach) can also support pollinators like bees, providing a safe place to drink. Bird baths should be cleaned regularly, with water replaced daily, to reduce the risk of disease.
Take care when walking dogs
It's not just the air temperature we need to consider, the temperature of ground surfaces can be more than 20 degrees hotter. This is uncomfortable for dogs to be walked on. Darker surfaces such as tarmac, will heat up more quickly and be even hotter.
Dog walking is best limited to early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are lower and surfaces have cooled.
Never leave animals in vehicles
Animals must never be left unattended in cars or trailers, even for a short time. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly and become fatal.
Keep an journeys to a minimum and plan for an emergency. For example, pack an umbrella for shade, a cold bottle of water and a bowl.
Who to contact
If you see a dog in a hot car, call the police on 999.
If you're worried about the welfare of any animal that you see, you should contact Surrey Police or contact the RSPCA.
If you're concerned about the welfare of an animal kept in:
- a pet shop
- an animal activity
- horse riding centre
- dog daycare
- zoo
- petting farm
or any other licensable establishment, you should report this to us.
If you are worried about your pet's health, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
More advice can be found from the RSPCA.
Published on: 23 June 2026.