New research from Rover reveals nearly a third (29%) of Brits don’t know they could face criminal damage charges for smashing a car window – even to save a dog’s life
- Over two thirds (68%) of Brits say they would smash a car window to save a dog in distress – but 29% are unaware this could technically constitute criminal damage under UK law
- Rover’s Canine Behaviourist Expert, Adem Fehmi, warns, “A dog’s body temperature can reach dangerous levels in as little as six minutes in a warm car”. Yet nearly a third (32%) of Brits admit to leaving their dog unattended in a car on a warm day for up to 10 minutes.
- According to ex police sergeant and former wildlife officer Mike Pannett, “vehicles act like an oven. If it’s 22°C outside, within an hour the temperature inside a car can double to 40°C.”
- 42% of dog owners have taken their pet on a trip in hot weather when they didn’t have a viable care option at home
London, July 2026: With temperatures continuing to soar in the UK, more than two-thirds of Brits (68%) say they would be willing to smash a car window to save a dog trapped in a hot car, according to new research from Rover.com, leading the world in personalised petcare.
Despite this willingness to intervene, over a quarter (29%) are unaware that smashing a car window to rescue a dog could potentially result in criminal damage charges – even when done to save the animal’s life.
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.
A dog left in a hot car can quickly become a life-threatening emergency, so it’s important not to ignore the situation. If you believe a dog is in immediate distress, first try to locate the owner or ask nearby businesses to make an announcement, while calling 999 if the animal’s condition appears critical.
Although many people instinctively want to break a window to rescue a dog, doing so could have legal consequences if it isn’t justified by the circumstances. That’s why it’s always best to contact the emergency services first, who can assess the situation and advise on the safest and most appropriate course of action. Acting quickly, but calmly, can make all the difference to the dog’s welfare while helping to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.”
Mike shares his 5-step guide on what to do if you see a dog in a hot car
- Step 1: If you see a dog showing signs of distress in a vehicle, the first thing to do is call the police. Remember the police can offer advice and guidance over the phone.
- Step 2: Are you able to locate the driver? E.g., if you are at an event or a supermarket, can a loudspeaker announcement be made?
- Step 3: Take the details of any witnesses. Take photographs or video footage of the dog and vehicle to gain evidence.
- Step 4: Fully assess the situation if you are considering breaking into the vehicle. Be prepared to defend your actions in court in the event of any legal action being taken against you. Consider, would the owner consent to you breaking in if they knew the circumstances?
- Step 5: Legally and ideally breaking into a vehicle should be carried out by the police. However, if the police are unable to attend you should inform them of your intended actions before breaking into the vehicle.
Yet while many Brits are ready to come to the rescue, Rover’s research suggests some pet parents may be putting their dogs at risk without realising it. One in four (25%) admit to leaving their dog in the car while they “quickly popped into” a shop or service station, believing it would be safe for a short period of time. What’s more, nearly a third (32%) have left their dog unattended in a car for up to 10 minutes, while 13% admit leaving them for up to 20 minutes – despite a dog’s body temperature being able to reach dangerous levels in as little as six minutes inside a warm car.
The findings also reveal widespread misconceptions around hot car safety. Alarmingly, nearly half (46%) of dog owners 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. A further 18% assume the risk only becomes serious when temperatures hit above 25°. Meanwhile, 42% worry about overreacting if they were to report a dog in a hot car.
The research also highlights the difficult choices 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, highlighting the challenges many owners face when trying to keep their pets safe while travelling.
With millions of Brits planning road trips, days out and staycations with their dogs this summer, Rover is encouraging owners to plan ahead and think twice before leaving pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes. In partnership with Roadchef, Rover will be helping four-legged travellers stay cool at one of the UK’s busiest motorway service stations this summer, while raising awareness of hot weather safety.
Rover’s Canine Behaviour Expert, Adem Fehmi warns of the dangers of leaving your dog unattended in hot cars, and urges owners to consider their decisions: “It’s easy to see how well-intentioned owners can get caught out. Many people think they’ll only be gone for a few minutes, or that parking in the shade, cracking a window open or leaving water behind will keep their dog comfortable. Unfortunately, none of these measures can stop a parked car from heating up surprisingly quickly.
If you’re planning a day out with your dog this summer, it’s worth thinking ahead. 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 care before you travel. If they’re joining you on the journey, ensure you travel during the cooler parts of the day, make regular stops at cooler locations such as air-conditioned service stations so they can stretch their legs and have a drink, and whenever you leave the vehicle, always take your dog with you.
It is also important to consider if your dog becomes stressed by car travel, being away from home, or other things they may encounter around them when travelling, as this can significantly increase the likelihood of heat stress.
A little extra planning can make all the difference, helping you avoid stressful situations and ensuring your dog stays happy, comfortable and safe throughout the journey.”
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: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/summer-safety-tips-for-pets/
ENDS
Notes to Editors
A Rover survey of 2,000 UK dog parents conducted via Pollfish in July 2026.
*For the purpose of this press release, Brits refers to dog owners only
About Rover:
Rover Group, Inc., leads the world in personalised pet care. The mission is simple: make it possible for everyone to experience the unconditional love of a pet. Pets and their people are at the heart of every Rover Group brand, which includes Rover, Meowtel, Mad Paws, and Cat in a Flat. These marketplaces connect pet parents with trusted pet care providers in 18 countries across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Pet parents can discover and book overnight, daytime, and training services, all tailored to their pets’ unique needs. To learn more about Rover Group, please visit www.rover.com/about-us