12 Aug Keeping Pets Safe in the Phoenix Summer Heat

On August 7, 2025, Phoenix had its hottest day in 150 years. And while setting a new record is exciting, it’s also a little bit scary. Phoenix is a beautiful place to live, and a city that we love. But when there’s an extreme heat warning, it’s important to know how to keep your family safe, pets included. 

Three Important Heat Safety Tips for Pets

The record-breaking highs this month are raising a lot of concerns. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very dangerous, and our pets feel the heat more than we do. But as long as you’re careful, your pets will make it through the summer safely.

1: Make sure your pets have shelter and water.

The best shelter is a cool, air-conditioned room. Pets can’t sweat like people do, and with all that fur, they can easily get overheated. Make sure they have multiple places to find cool, clean water. It’s also a good idea to provide a cooling mat or freezer treats to help them regulate their body temperature.

If you have a dog door, consider locking it during the hottest part of the day to keep your pets inside. If your dog does go out in the yard during the cooler parts of the day, make sure you’re there to watch them. You might want to turn on the sprinklers or fill up a kiddie pool to help them cool down. You should also make sure there’s some sort of shade where they can rest, such as from a tree, a porch roof, or a canopy of some kind. 

2: Never walk your dog during the day.

During Arizona’s scorching summers, sidewalk temperatures can reach 160º degrees and more in the sun. In fact, the City of Phoenix bans hiking with dogs when outdoor temperatures are over 100ºF. All local trails will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m whenever there is an Excessive Heat Warning.

Keep walks short, and try to go out as close to sunrise and sunset as possible to ensure your pet stays safe in the summer heat. No matter the time of day, always hold your hand to the pavement to check if it’s cool enough first. Pavement that’s too hot could burn your pet’s paws. 

Patios, decks, and landscaping like rocks and pebbles can also get extremely hot in the sun. Before you open the door for your pup to go pee or your cat to hop onto the balcony, check to make sure the surfaces they’ll be stepping on are a safe temperature.  

3. Never leave a pet inside a vehicle.

In Arizona, this is illegal. Cars and trucks heat up very quickly, and can become deadly within minutes. If you find a pet locked inside a vehicle and they are in distress, you may attempt a rescue. Just remember that if you do, you are obligated to notify the proper authorities (like a first responder or animal control) before you take action. 

It is also against the law in Phoenix to keep a pet tethered outside when it is over 100ºF. Glendale, Tempe, and Chandler have ordinances against tethering dogs as well. Never leave a pet outside while you’re away—keeping them inside is the only way to keep them safe.

Did You Know That You Can Set Up a Pet Trust in Arizona?

When you love your pet like they’re part of the family (because they are!), you want to be ready to protect them in any circumstances. Whether it’s keeping them safe in the Phoenix summer heat or making sure they have fun toys to play with in the comfort of your A/C, you always want the best for them.  

Setting up a pet trust is a great way to provide for their care in the future, if anything should happen to you. With a pet trust you can appoint a guardian and set aside some money that’s earmarked for your pet’s care only. 

Want to learn more about setting up a pet trust? Schedule a free consultation with Phelps LaClair today.

Photo by Xiangkun ZHU on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/11/25.