As the UK face record-breaking temperatures a leading GAP insurance provider is warning of the dangers of leaving dogs in parked vehicles, with over 2,000 police reports filed since 2014.
New data uncovered through Freedom of Information requests by ALA Insurance reveals that 2,031 incidents of dogs left in hot cars have been reported to UK police forces between 2014 and Q1 2025, equivalent to four cases every single week.
Unsurprisingly, the month of June saw the highest volume of reports, with 301 incidents logged, coinciding with the start of summer and rising temperatures.
The investigation, which involved FOI requests to all 40 police forces in the UK, found that 13 forces provided usable data. The remaining either cited time and cost constraints or were unable to retrieve the information.
Among the forces that responded:
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Hertfordshire Police reported the highest number of cases (453),
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Followed by Lancashire (360) and
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Cambridgeshire (266).
The most frequently reported symptoms of canine distress included excessive panting, barking, and complete lack of movement, all serious indicators of heat exhaustion or potential heatstroke.
ALA is urging the public to be aware of the steps to take if they see a dog in distress inside a vehicle.
To help raise awareness, ALA Insurance has teamed up with Lucia Oliveira, a Registered Veterinary Nurse, who has shared her expert advice, “Studies have shown that a car’s temperature can rise by as much as 10 to 15 degrees in only 15 minutes. Leaving a window slightly open does not slow down the heating process or contribute to reducing the temperature inside. In such hot conditions, heatstroke will develop quite rapidly – a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises to a point where severe consequences, like organ failure and even death, can occur.
“Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, hypersalivation (excessive drooling), vomiting, red gums/tongue, seizures, and collapse. If on walk/when exercising, watch out for restlessness, confusion, drowsiness, and incoordination. Beware, in cats, signs can be more subtle.”
Backing the warning, Carrie Stones, Campaigns Manager at the RSPCA, said, “Many people think it’s ok to leave their dog in the car if they’re parked in the shade or the windows are open. But a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. It’s really important never to leave a dog inside a vehicle on a warm day — and if you see a dog in a hot car, to know what to do.”
According to the RSPCA, 45% of the public still say they would call the charity if they saw a dog in a hot car, but you should always dial 999 in an emergency. The RSPCA does not have powers of entry — only the police can intervene quickly to rescue an animal in distress.
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car
The RSPCA advises the following:
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Assess the dog’s condition. If they show signs of heatstroke — heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse — call 999 immediately.
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Don’t break into the car unless absolutely necessary. This could be considered criminal damage, and you may have to defend your actions in court. You are legally allowed to act if you believe the owner would consent in an emergency.
If you choose to act:
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Call the police first and tell them your intentions.
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Take photos or video evidence of the dog’s condition.
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Gather names and contact details of any witnesses.
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If the dog doesn’t seem in distress, try to determine how long they’ve been inside, look for a pay and display ticket or ask staff to make a loudspeaker announcement.
