Urgent Risk: Dogs Will Die During Heat Wave in Virginia—Vital Tips From PETA

For Immediate Release:
June 20, 2025

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

With a heat dome expected to send temperatures soaring in Virginia this weekend through next week, PETA is issuing an alert about the risks for animals in hot weather. Last year, 111 dogs and cats reportedly died from heat-related causes—and the actual figure is likely far higher, as most deaths go unreported. If you’re hot, dogs and cats—who can’t sweat as humans do—are even hotter.

It’s illegal in Virginia to leave dogs chained outside in temperatures above 85 degrees, and many cities in Hampton Roads have banned chaining altogether. Anyone who sees a dog chained outside in the sweltering heat should call authorities immediately (or PETA, if they don’t get the help they need).

PETA urges people to be on the lookout for animals who need assistance, including those who may be experiencing heatstroke symptoms, and advises everyone to do the following:

• Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day and limit their time outside in the heat. Before walks, touch the pavement to ensure it won’t burn dogs’ foot pads. In hot weather, walk only in the shade, on earth, or grass.
• Never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles at any time.
• If you see a dog showing signs of heatstroke—including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, seizures, and collapse—ensure that the animal is moved into the shade or an air-conditioned space, offer them water, and wet them down with room-temperature (not cold) water. If their guardian isn’t around, call local authorities immediately.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.