Temperature Guidelines

• If temperatures exceed 22°C, we will adjust walks as needed (e.g., shorter walks, shaded routes, or garden playtime).
• If temperatures reach 24°C or higher, walks may be rescheduled to cooler parts of the day, or replaced with home visits and enrichment activities.
• At 28°C and above, walks will be cancelled, and alternative care arrangements will be made. Cancelled walks will not be charged for.

Safety Measures

• During summer, aircon will be on in the car at all times and dogs will have their own cooling mat, fan and water bowl in their crate or car seat.
• Walks may be scheduled early in the morning when temperatures are lower.
• Dogs will have constant access to fresh water before, during, and after walks.
• Routes and walking locations will be in shady woodland areas and grassy surfaces where there is access to water for your dog to cool down in.
• I will conduct regular pavement temperature checks—if it’s too hot for our hand, it’s too hot for their paws!
• High-risk dogs (puppies, elderly dogs, flat-faced breeds, and those with health conditions) will receive individualized care plans based on their individual needs.
• For group walks, during pick-ups and drop-offs, windows will be left ajar with dog fans on and the car alarm set with interior monitoring switched off. Group sizes may be reduced to minimise the amount of time dogs are in the car.
• Whilst walking, wherever possible, the car will be parked in shady areas to keep the temperature down. 

Signs of Heat Stress & First Aid

I am first aid trained to recognise signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in dogs, including:
✅ Excessive panting or drooling
✅ Lethargy or weakness
✅ Red gums or tongue
✅ Vomiting or collapse

If any dog shows signs of distress, I will:

• Stop the walk immediately and move the dog to a shaded or cool area.
• Provide fresh water and, if necessary, apply cool (not cold) water to their paws, belly, and ears.
• Contact you and, if needed, seek veterinary advice.

Owner Communication

• I will inform you in advance if your dog’s walk needs to be modified or cancelled due to heat.
• If an alternative arrangement is needed, I will offer home visits, enrichment activities, or garden playtime as an alternative to outdoor walks. Remember, no dog ever died from missing a walk but dogs can get very unwell and even die if they are walked when it is too hot. 
• By following these guidelines, we ensure every dog in our care stays safe, happy, and healthy—even in hot weather!