Hot weather guide for dogs and Hopefield rules about visiting with four-legged friends

We all love a sunny day in the UK. The ice lollies come out, the paddling pools appear, and everyone wants to make the most of the warm weather — including trips out with the family. But while we may enjoy the heat, it can be incredibly dangerous for our dogs.

At Hopefield, animal welfare will always come before anything else, which is why during periods of extreme heat we will not allow dogs to visit the sanctuary.

We know many of our visitors love bringing their four-legged family members along for a day out, and we genuinely love seeing them too. But sadly, every summer we hear heart-breaking stories of dogs collapsing from heat exhaustion, suffering burned paws, or becoming seriously unwell after being out in temperatures that simply became too much for them.

Dogs do not cope with heat the way humans do. They cannot sweat to cool themselves down and rely mainly on panting, which is far less effective in extreme temperatures. Once a dog begins overheating, things can deteriorate frighteningly quickly. Heatstroke is not just a case of a dog “being a bit too warm.” It is a medical emergency that can cause organ failure, seizures, collapse, and in some cases can sadly be fatal.

“But They’ll Only Be Here for a Little While…”

Unfortunately, even short visits can become dangerous in hot weather.

Many people don’t realise how hot the ground becomes. Tarmac, paving slabs, and artificial surfaces can become scorching enough to burn paws within seconds. If it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.

Even dogs who appear fit and healthy can struggle. Older dogs, flat-faced breeds, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick coats are particularly vulnerable, but any dog can suffer in extreme temperatures.

At a busy sanctuary, there is often more walking, excitement, stimulation, and exposure than owners realise. Add heat into the mix, and it simply isn’t safe. So when temperatures become dangerously high, we will ask visitors to leave dogs safely at home in the cool rather than bring them along.

It may disappoint some people, but we would far rather have a disappointed owner than a poorly dog.

The Danger of Dogs in Cars

We also want to gently remind everyone never to leave dogs in cars during warm weather — not even “for five minutes.”

Every year, dogs die in hot cars. And every year, many owners genuinely believed they’d only be gone briefly.

The reality is frightening:

• • On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can soar within minutes

• • Cracking windows open makes very little difference

• • Parking in shade is not a guarantee of safety

• • Dogs can rapidly become distressed, dehydrated, and critically ill

A dog trapped in a hot car may begin panting heavily, drooling, vomiting, becoming disoriented, or collapsing. By the time visible signs appear, the situation may already be serious.

If you are travelling with your dog during warm weather, please plan ahead:

• • Bring plenty of fresh water

• • Travel during cooler parts of the day where possible

• • Ensure good ventilation

• • Take regular shaded breaks

• • And if temperatures are extreme, consider whether your dog really needs to make the journey at all

Welfare First — Always

We know these decisions can sometimes frustrate visitors, especially when dogs are such an important part of the family. But at Hopefield, protecting animals is at the heart of everything we do. Extreme heat is uncomfortable for us — but for dogs, it can be deadly, so if we announce temporary restrictions on dog visits during hot weather, please know it is done with care, compassion, and your dog’s safety in mind. We would advise to not bring your dogs to us if temperatures are due to go above 25 degrees, and we will not allow entry for dogs when temperatures are forecast for 28 degrees or above. There will be no exception to this rule.

Thank you, as always, for supporting us and for helping us keep every animal safe this summer.