Paws before you park
London, 19th August 2026: With up to 7.5 million motorists* expected to take to the roads with their dogs this August Bank Holiday weekend,Rover.com is launching 'The Pup Stop' – a free pop-up cooling station designed to help four-legged travellers stay safe on the move.
The initiative comes as new research from Rover reveals that one in four (25%) dog owners admit to leaving their pet in the car while they "quickly pop into" a shop or service station during a journey. Nearly a third (32%) of those say they have left their dog unattended for up to 10 minutes, while a further 13% admit leaving them for as long as 20 minutes.
With one of the busiest travel weekends of the year fast approaching, Rover's findings raise extreme concerns about dogs' welfare on the road. Despite over two thirds (68%) of dog owners claiming they would smash a car window to save a dog in distress, the research uncovered widespread misconceptions about the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars during hot weather.
Alarmingly, nearly half (46%) believe that parking in the shade, leaving windows slightly open (43%), or leaving water behind (36%) makes it safe to leave a dog unattended in a vehicle. Meanwhile, a further 18% believe the risk only becomes serious when temperatures exceed 25°C.
Former police sergeant and wildlife officer Mike Pannett says, "You should never leave a dog in a car during hot weather. Vehicles act like an oven – if it's 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can rise to around 40°C within an hour, and a dog can die in a matter of minutes in those conditions. He continues, “as a police officer, I attended numerous incidents involving dogs trapped in hot cars. These situations can occur at any time of day whenever the weather is warm, and even leaving a dog for a short time – whether you're 'just popping into the shops' or 'grabbing a coffee' – can prove fatal.
The research also reveals the difficult balancing act many dog owners face during the summer months. Nearly half (42%) say they have taken their dog with them on a trip in hot weather because they didn't have a suitable care option available at home, highlighting the challenges many owners face when trying to keep their pets safe while travelling.
To help dogs beat the heat this Bank Holiday, Rover is launching ‘The Pup Stop’, in partnership with Roadchef at Strensham South Services on the M5, on Friday 28th August. Located on one of the UK's busiest holiday routes, the service station is a popular stop for motorists heading to the beaches and holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall.
The free pop-up cooling station will give dogs the chance to stretch their legs, cool off and rehydrate before continuing their journey. Four-legged visitors can enjoy paddling pools, cooling mats, fans and fresh drinking water, offering a welcome break for pets and paws of mind for their owners.
Visitors will also be able to pick up practical advice on travelling safely with pets in hot weather, including how to recognise the signs of heat stress, keep dogs cool on long journeys and plan safer summer road trips. Representatives from Cheltenham Animal Shelter will also be on hand to share expert advice and raise awareness of their work supporting vulnerable dogs across the region
Peter Newcombe, General Manager, at Cheltenham Animal Shelter says, “With the UK's summer temperatures rising, it's important that, as responsible pet owners, we take steps to keep our dogs safe and cool during warmer weather. Different breeds, ages and underlying health conditions can all affect how well a dog copes with the heat, with some dogs at risk of developing heatstroke even on relatively mild summer days.
If you see a dog in a hot car and you are concerned for their welfare, call 999 if the dog is showing signs of heatstroke, as the police have the authority to take appropriate action in an emergency. Breaking a car window yourself could leave you liable for criminal damage charges. Once the dog is safe, move them to a cool, shaded area and begin to cool them immediately. Pour cool water over their body - focusing on the neck, stomach, and thighs, avoiding the head - and encourage airflow with a fan or breeze if possible. Do not cover them with towels, as this can trap heat. Then transport them to the nearest vet in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle as quickly as possible.”
Rover's Canine Behaviour Expert, Adem Fehmi, shares his top tips for travelling safely with dogs, warning that even a few minutes in a parked car can have devastating consequences:
1. Never leave your dog in a parked car – not even for a few minutes
A dog's body temperature can reach dangerous levels in as little as six minutes in a warm car. Even if you're only popping into a shop or service station, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly, becoming life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Parking in the shade, leaving the windows slightly open or leaving water behind won't stop a car from heating up.
2. Plan regular 'Pup Stops'
Long journeys can be tiring, especially in warm weather. Aim to stop at least every two hours at a cool, shaded or air-conditioned location so your dog can stretch their legs, rehydrate and cool down before continuing your journey. If your dog is very young, older, has a medical condition or finds car travel stressful, you should aim to stop at much shorter intervals to ensure their comfort and safety. If you know you'll need to stop somewhere your dog can't come with you, it's safest to leave them at home or arrange alternative care before you set off.
3. Beat the heat by travelling at cooler times
Where possible, travel early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid driving during the hottest part of the day to help reduce the risk of your dog overheating.
4. Keep your dog cool on the move
Use air conditioning where possible and ensure good airflow throughout the vehicle. Always carry plenty of fresh drinking water, and consider using cooling mats or damp towels to help keep your dog comfortable on longer journeys.
5. Know the signs of heat stress
Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and collapse can all be signs that your dog is overheating. Dogs that become anxious or stressed during car journeys or in unfamiliar environments may be at greater risk of heat stress, so keep an extra close eye on them. If you notice any signs of overheating, stop immediately, move your dog to a cool, shaded place, offer fresh water and seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
For more advice on travelling safely with your dog this summer, including tips on preventing heatstroke and keeping pets cool on the move, visit Rover's blog page here.
