(BPT) - Key Takeaways
- You and your pets love summer, but this time of year brings unique health and safety concerns.
- A new Rover survey found pet parents will go the distance when it comes to caring for their pets.
- Pet parents want to ensure pet sitters and dog walkers are trustworthy and knowledgeable about top summer safety issues.
- Rover provides trusted care, offering pet parents peace of mind that their pets are living their best lives while they are, too.
During summer travel season, pet parents are understandably concerned about safeguarding their pets from top seasonal health risks, and their behavior proves it. The 2026 Summer Safety Survey from Rover found that 88% of pet parents even plan summer activities around whether their pets can join them.
With increasing travel and outdoor adventures comes worry about seasonal risks, with the top concerns being heat-related illness (32%) and exposure to fleas and ticks (38%). Many pet parents have already experienced some of these risks firsthand, with nearly half of pet parents saying their dog or cat has experienced dehydration or heat exhaustion.
However, 64% admit not being fully confident they know enough about the warning signs.
How to deter ticks and fleas
To help keep your pet pest-free over the summer, consult your veterinarian for flea and tick prevention methods. It also helps to keep your yard clear of organic matter, like leaves and clippings, where fleas can hide. Learn how to perform safe tick removal if your dogs love exploring wooded or grassy areas.
Ways to keep pets safe during summer heat
Because heat-related illness remains one of the biggest summer risks for dogs and cats, make sure you know what to watch for. According to the survey, nearly half (46%) of pet parents say their pet has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration. But despite this concern, many pet parents still struggle to identify early signs of overheating.
Here are some warning signs:
- 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.
If you notice 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. Consult your veterinarian about these or more severe symptoms.
Nearly 80% of pet parents said they would sacrifice personal comforts to prioritize their pet's safety during the summer months.
How pet parents protect their dogs and cats
The survey found that almost all pet parents (96%) will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks.
The most common practices were:
- 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%)
Additional heat-safety best practices include:
- Adjusting outdoor time to cooler times of day
- Avoiding strenuous or excessive activity on hot days
- Swapping outdoor time for indoor enrichment activities
Nearly half (45%) of pet parents bring portable pet bowls and water when they're on-the-go, and 23% use booties or paw wax to protect paws from hot pavement. And 19% of pet parents have pets groomed to prevent overheating and sunburn.
The survey also revealed the financial lengths many pet parents will go to keep pets comfortable. Nearly 80% said they would sacrifice personal comforts to prioritize their pet's safety during the summer. Over 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.
Finding pet sitters while you travel
Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, leading many pet parents to seek reliable care while they're vacationing. If you need someone to provide care for your pet during a trip, use a reputable online pet card 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 around summer care, including monitoring for signs of overheating and ensuring pets receive adequate hydration and breaks from the heat. Sitters on the platform must also complete safety quizzes and enhanced background checks.
Pet care experts recommend arranging a meet and greet with potential sitters before booking services. Planning ahead helps pet parents feel confident that their pet's routines, comfort and individual care needs will be maintained while they're away.
Whether pets are joining your summer adventures or staying home with a sitter, preparation and heat awareness go a long way toward helping pets stay safe and comfortable all season long.
Find more tips on how to enjoy summer safely with your pets at Rover.com.
