Heatwave Warning for Pet Owners and Wildlife Across Guernsey
With extreme temperatures forecast across Guernsey, the GSPCA is urging pet owners and animal lovers to take extra precautions to keep animals safe during the hot weather.
Heat can quickly become life-threatening for pets and wildlife, and the charity is reminding islanders that even temperatures that may feel comfortable to people can be dangerous for animals.
The GSPCA is advising owners of rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other outdoor pets to ensure they have access to plenty of shade throughout the day, as well as a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Hutches, runs and enclosures should never be left in direct sunlight and owners should regularly check that shaded areas remain shaded as the sun moves.
Dog owners are also being urged to avoid exercising their pets during the hottest parts of the day. Walks should be limited to the early morning or late evening when temperatures are significantly lower. Hot pavements, roads and paths can burn paws, while excessive exercise can quickly lead to heatstroke.
The charity's warning follows concerns during the last hot spell when a member of the public was seen cycling with a dog attached while temperatures were high.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Every year we see animals suffer unnecessarily during periods of hot weather. Dogs should not be walked or exercised during the heat of the day, and owners need to remember that if the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for your dog's paws. We were particularly concerned to hear of a dog being exercised alongside a bicycle during the last hot spell, which can be extremely dangerous in high temperatures."
"Animals can overheat very quickly and heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. If in doubt, leave exercise until early morning or later in the evening when temperatures have dropped."
The GSPCA is also reminding owners never to leave dogs, cats or any other animals inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to fatal levels. Similarly, conservatories, greenhouses, sheds and other enclosed spaces can become dangerously hot and should never be used to house or leave animals unattended during hot weather.
Steve added:
"Sadly, every summer there are reports from around the world of animals suffering or dying after being left in cars. A vehicle, conservatory or greenhouse can become dangerously hot in a very short period of time, even when owners believe they will only be away for a few minutes. If you cannot take your pet with you safely, it is always better to leave them at home in a cool environment with access to water."
The charity is also encouraging islanders to help local wildlife cope with the heat. Placing shallow bowls or dishes of fresh water in gardens can provide a vital lifeline for birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife struggling in dry conditions.
Anyone putting out water for wildlife is asked to clean bowls daily and refill them with fresh water to help prevent the spread of disease and keep the water safe for animals to drink.
Steve Byrne added:
"A simple bowl of clean water can make a huge difference to wildlife during hot weather. Birds, hedgehogs and many other animals can struggle to find water when temperatures rise. We would encourage everyone with a garden, patio or outdoor space to put out fresh water and remember to clean and refill containers every day."
The GSPCA's hot weather tips include:
- Ensure all pets have constant access to fresh drinking water.
- Provide shade for all outdoor animals throughout the day.
- Walk dogs only in the early morning or late evening.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather.
- Check pavements before walks to ensure they are not too hot.
- Never leave animals in cars, conservatories, greenhouses or other enclosed spaces.
- Look out for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, collapse or distress.
- Put out shallow bowls of water for wildlife and clean them daily.
Anyone concerned about an animal suffering from the effects of heat should contact their veterinary practice immediately for advice.
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
- Volunteer Induction Evening Thursday 4th June 630pm
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Viaer Marchi Monday 6th July 2026
- 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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