As Surrey again bakes in the latest heatwave, the RSPCA reports more than a thousand pet owners each day visiting its website for advice on protecting their pets.

Over the past 28 days, RSPCA hot weather advice pages have recorded more than 30,000 visits — one every 80 seconds — as owners seek urgent guidance on heatstroke, hot cars, and caring for small animals and wildlife.

Between 13 July and 9 August, the pages received 30,931 visits, compared to 17,700 during the same period in 2025.

Eloise Dicks, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “These figures show that the public and their pets are experiencing the negative impact of this heatwave firsthand.

“We are seeing thousands of people reaching out because they are rightly worried - but we need that concern to turn into action. People must continue to treat extreme temperatures like a lockdown for your pets.

“This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise. It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.

“One of the biggest risks during periods of extreme heat is treating them like any other summer day. We’re urging dog owners to focus on keeping dogs cool, comfortable and calm at home until temperatures start to ease.

“Fresh water, air flow, shade and mental enrichment can make all the difference during this extreme heat.”

The RSPCA offers these tips: Move exercise to the coolest possible times - or skip it altogether; swap physical exercise for mental stimulation; create cool zones throughout the home; refresh water regularly and offer it in multiple locations; and keep air moving.

Eloise added: "For now, pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual."