GSPCA Urges Islanders to Protect Pets and Wildlife During Another Hot Spell
The GSPCA is urging all pet owners and animal lovers to take extra precautions as Guernsey experiences another spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to rise over the coming days.
Extended periods of warm weather can pose serious risks to pets and wildlife, with heatstroke, dehydration and burns from hot surfaces all causing significant welfare concerns. The charity is also encouraging islanders to provide fresh water for wildlife, as the ongoing dry conditions have left many animals struggling to find natural water sources.
Dogs should never be left in vehicles, even for a short period, as temperatures can rise rapidly and become fatal. Owners are advised to exercise dogs during the cooler parts of the day, provide constant access to fresh drinking water and ensure pets have access to shade.
The charity is also reminding owners to be mindful of pavements and roads, which can become hot enough to burn paws. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the surface for five seconds – if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other small pets also need protection from the heat. Hutches, runs and enclosures should be positioned away from direct sunlight, with plenty of shade and fresh water available at all times.
Wildlife has also been affected by the prolonged period of warm, dry weather. Birds, hedgehogs, squirrels and other animals can find it difficult to locate enough water, particularly in urban areas.
The GSPCA is encouraging people to place shallow bowls of fresh water in gardens and outdoor spaces, ensuring they are cleaned and refilled regularly. Adding stones or pebbles to water dishes can help insects such as bees and butterflies drink safely without the risk of drowning.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Whilst many of us enjoy the sunshine, the hot weather can be extremely dangerous for animals. Every summer we receive calls regarding pets suffering from heat-related illnesses, and sadly some situations can be avoided with a few simple precautions.
"Never leave a dog in a vehicle, make sure all pets have access to shade and fresh water, and avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day. We would also ask islanders to spare a thought for our wildlife, which is struggling with the combination of heat and the lack of rainfall. A simple bowl of water in your garden can make a real difference to birds, hedgehogs and many other animals.
"If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or distress, please seek veterinary attention immediately or contact the GSPCA for advice. By working together, we can help keep Guernsey's animals safe during this latest hot spell."
Signs of heatstroke in pets can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing and collapse. Anyone concerned about an animal can contact the GSPCA on 257261 for advice and assistance.
For more information on keeping pets and wildlife safe during hot weather, visit www.gspca.org.gg or contact the GSPCA team.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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