Your Pets Are Vulnerable During The Present Hot Weather, Says GBC

Published on: 23 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 23 Jun, 2026

Guildford Borough Council is urging people to take extra care of pets and wildlife during the present hot weather.

Hot weather can cause significant discomfort and distress to animals and prolonged exposure may lead to serious illness, injury or death, says the council.

GBC is encouraging the community to take simple steps to keep animals safe and comfortable.

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.

“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.”

The council offers the following points:

Pets need a constant supply of fresh water and plenty of shade
Birds in aviaries should also have shaded spaces and access to water for bathing
Cooling aids such as damp towels or cooling pads can help regulate body temperature, with many pets including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs choosing to rest on these surfaces.
Make sure larger animals such as horses and donkeys have access to shelter and fresh drinking water
Dog breeds with shortened noses such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers and Bullmastifs are particularly prone to breathing difficulties and heatstroke.
Some cat breeds also suffer from this, for example Persians, British Shorthair and Burmese. Pets with long, thick coats will need extra support such as clipping or cooler environments. .

Supporting local wildlife

In addition, hot, dry conditions can make it difficult for wildlife to find water. Residents can help, says the council, 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.

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

The council offers a reminder that 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.

If you see a dog in a hot car, call the police on 999.

If you are worried about the welfare of any animal that you see, you should contact Surrey Police or contact the RSPCA.

If you are worried 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 the Council.

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.