With forecasters predicting temperatures climbing into the low 30s across parts of the UK this weekend, GEM Motoring Assist is urging all pet owners to take critical steps to protect their animals — particularly dogs — from the potentially lethal consequences of being left inside a hot car.
As Britain braces for a blast of summer heat, the road safety and breakdown organisation is warning that even short spells inside a stationary vehicle can prove fatal for dogs. In fact, veterinary experts caution that within just 20 minutes, the inside of a car can become a death trap, with dogs at high risk of collapse, heatstroke, and death.
“Don’t Risk It — Not Even for a Minute”
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, delivered a stark reminder:
“Leaving a dog in a car with no ventilation is dangerous — even if just for a few minutes — because the temperature inside a parked vehicle rises quickly. Dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature in the way that humans do; their usual method of panting doesn’t work when the temperature is too hot.”
He added that if anyone sees a distressed dog trapped inside a hot vehicle, immediate action is necessary: “Call 999 and ask for the police. That dog’s life could depend on it.”
Legal Consequences for Owners
Beyond the moral responsibility, there are serious legal implications for owners who put their pets in danger. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, individuals can face a charge of animal cruelty if a dog becomes ill or dies after being left in a hot car. The penalty? Up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £20,000.
Heat Builds Fast — and So Does Risk
On a 30°C day, the interior of a parked vehicle can soar to 39°C in under 10 minutes and exceed 47°C within half an hour. Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat through their skin. They rely on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads to cool down — mechanisms that quickly become ineffective in extreme heat.
Staying Safe: GEM’s Summer Pet Travel Checklist
To help drivers keep their furry passengers safe, GEM has issued a concise checklist for dog-friendly travel this summer:
- Leave your dog at home if the weather is hot and your journey isn’t essential for them.
- If travel is unavoidable, bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl, and ensure good ventilation or air conditioning in the vehicle.
- Never let a dog travel unrestrained — use an appropriate crate, pet carrier, or travel harness for safety.
- Watch for signs of overheating. If your dog appears too hot, stop in a safe place, provide water, and allow them to rest in the shade.
- Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, excessive drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, uncoordinated movement, or collapse. If these symptoms occur, seek veterinary help immediately.
What to Do if You See a Dog in a Hot Car
If you come across a dog in a vehicle on a warm day, GEM advises the following:
- Note the car’s details: make, model, colour, and registration.
- Try to locate the owner: ask staff in nearby shops or venues to make an urgent announcement.
- If unsuccessful, or if locating the owner isn’t possible, call 999 immediately and request police assistance.
A Preventable Tragedy
Every summer, countless dogs fall victim to entirely avoidable suffering due to being left in hot cars. As temperatures rise this weekend, GEM’s message is simple: don’t take the risk — not even for a few minutes.
