Key Takeaways
- Summer with pets is fun, but can bring additional safety and health worries.
- A recent Rover survey found pet parents are willing to put in the effort and expense to protect their pets.
- Pet parents need confidence that pet sitters and dog walkers are reliable and knowledgeable about summer safety risks.
- Rover provides trusted care, for peace of mind that pets are living their best lives while pet parents are, too.
Summer travel season is ramping up, and for many pet parents, plans are increasingly shaped around one priority: keeping pets safe from seasonal risks.
A new 2026 Summer Safety Survey from Rover found that 88% of pet parents plan summer activities around whether their pets can join them. But alongside more outdoor adventures and travel comes increased concern about seasonal risks, particularly heat-related illness (32%) and exposure to fleas and ticks (38%).
Those concerns are personal for many pet parents. Nearly half of pet parents say their dog or cat has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration, yet 64% admit they are not fully confident they know exactly what warning signs to look for.
Safeguard against fleas and ticks
Heading into the summer months, make sure your pet is up to date on your veterinarian's recommended flea and tick prevention to alleviate this concern. Also keep your yard clear of organic matter, including leaves and clippings, where fleas might hide. If your dog often explores grassy or wooded areas, learn methods for safe tick removal.
How to keep pets safe during summer heat
Heat-related illness remains one of the biggest summer risks for pets. Despite widespread concern, many pet parents still struggle to identify the early signs of overheating. According to the survey, nearly half (46%) of pet parents report their pet has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration at some point.
Early warning signs include:
- Dogs: Excessive panting, lethargy, confusion or drooling. Severe signs are pale gums, foaming at the mouth or seizures.
- Cats: Excessive pacing, panting, grooming, drooling or atypical vocalizations. Severe signs include stumbling, vomiting, loss of consciousness or collapsing.
For early warning signs, give your pet cool (not iced) water to drink, get them in the shade/air conditioning and apply wet towels or cool water to their head or neck. For concerns about your pet's symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
96% of pet parents will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks.
Ways pet parents care for their dogs and cats
Almost all pet parents (96%) will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks. Their most common practices include:
- Keeping indoor temperatures as cool as possible (73%)
- Not leaving pets in unattended vehicles, even on cooler days (58%)
- Limiting outdoor time to shady or heat-protected areas only (57%)
Other heat-safety best practices include adjusting outdoor time to cooler parts of the day, avoiding strenuous or excessive activity in general on hot days, and swapping outdoor time for more indoor enrichment activities.
When out and about, nearly half (45%) of pet parents bring portable pet bowls and water, and 23% use booties or paw wax to protect paws from the hot pavement. In addition, 19% of pet parents have their pets groomed specifically to prevent sunburn and overheating.
The survey also highlighted the lengths many pet parents are willing to go financially to keep pets comfortable. Nearly 80% said they would sacrifice personal comforts to prioritize their pet's safety during the summer months. More than half said they would spend up to $100 extra per month on cooling costs, 37% would purchase a new air conditioner specifically for their pet, and 31% said they would even cancel an expensive vacation in favor of their pet's well-being.
Where to find someone to care for your pet when you're traveling
Summer is also one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, leading many pet parents to seek reliable care while they are away.
If you need someone to care for your pet when you're on a trip, use a reputable platform like Rover, the world's largest online marketplace for pet care. Rover enables safer, more personalized pet care by connecting pet parents with trusted sitters who understand each pet's unique needs.
Sitters offering pet care services on Rover receive safety guidance related to summer care, including monitoring for signs of overheating and ensuring pets receive adequate hydration and breaks from the heat. Sitters on the platform are also required to complete enhanced background checks and safety quizzes.
Pet care experts recommend scheduling a meet and greet with potential sitters before booking their services, particularly during busy travel periods. Planning ahead can help pet parents feel more confident that their pet's routines, comfort and individual care needs will be maintained while they're away.
Whether pets are joining summer adventures or staying home with a sitter, experts say preparation and heat awareness can go a long way toward helping pets stay safe and comfortable throughout the season. For more tips on how to enjoy summer with your pets in mind, visit Rover.com.
