Heatwave warning: never leave your dog in a car
June 17, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Temperatures are set to soar this weekend – a stark reminder never to leave your dog alone in a parked car during a heatwave.
Parts of the UK are set to hit lows of 30°C this weekend, serving as a reminder to be extra careful when travelling with pets and to never leave them alone in parked cars under any circumstances.
The warning comes as summer heat puts pets at serious risk. Even on a mild day, the interior of a car can become dangerously hot within minutes. On hotter days, the temperature inside a car can soar to deadly levels, even with the windows cracked.
“Leaving a dog in a car with no ventilation is dangerous, even if just for a few minutes,” said James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist. “Dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature the way humans do. Panting doesn’t work when it’s too hot. In extreme heat, they can collapse and die in under 20 minutes.”
Vets warn that heatstroke can come on quickly. Watch out for heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, or collapse. Act fast, because heatstroke can be fatal.
It’s not just about your pet’s safety – it’s the law. Under the Animal Welfare Act, leaving a dog to suffer or die in a hot car could mean a criminal charge, with penalties up to six months in jail or a £20,000 fine.
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Tips to keep your pet safe this weekend
Here are some things you can do to keep your furry friends safe in the heat:
- Leave dogs at home on hot days if you can.
- If you need to travel with your dog, bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl, and help them stay cool.
- Don’t let your dog roam free in the car: use a crate, pet seatbelt, or harness.
- If your dog looks too hot, stop somewhere safe, give them water, and get them into the shade or a cooler spot.
- If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, such as vomiting or being unresponsive, get to a vet immediately.
What should you do if you spot a dog in a hot car?
Take action quickly. Note the car’s make, model, colour, and registration, and report it to staff if you’re in a car park at a supermarket, garden centre, or service station. If the owner doesn’t return or can’t be found, dial 999 and ask for the police.
If a dog’s in serious trouble and the police haven’t shown up, your first instinct might be to break into the car to help. Just keep in mind, that could be seen as criminal damage, and you might have to explain yourself in court. Legally, it’s fine if you genuinely think the owner would be okay with it knowing the dog was in danger.
If you’re sure you need to free the dog, tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take photos or videos of the dog. Are there any other witnesses? Take their names and numbers.
“Please don’t assume it’s okay just because you’re popping into the shop ‘for a minute’,” added Luckhurst. “That ‘minute’ could cost a life.”
This summer, let’s keep our pets safe. Leave them at home, and never in a hot car.
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