Honestly? Maybe. Maybe not. Whether you close your dog field during hot spells depends on your setup – and your appetite for risk (and drama). Most fields stay open unless there’s a Met Office health alert, but just because you can stay open doesn’t always mean you should.
Before the mercury rises and the complaints roll in, here’s what you need to know.
Quick note before we begin:
This isn’t dog health advice. We’re not vets. This is strictly field-owner logic to help protect your business, your reputation, and the dogs using your field.
Why You Might Want to Close
If a dog collapses with heat exhaustion on your field – or worse – it doesn’t matter what your signs say or how many disclaimers you’ve written. The fallout is real.
Even if you’re blameless, people talk. They cancel. They don’t come back. You become that field.
Shouldn’t It Be the Owner’s Responsibility?
Yes… in theory. But let’s just gently remind ourselves of a few truths:
- Some customers still don’t get how padlocks work.
- Some turn up without water. Even when you’ve told them. Repeatedly.
- A few can’t (or won’t) pick up poo.
- Most don’t read your instructions.
- And nobody reads your terms.
So no, leaving it entirely up to your customers might not be the smartest move.
Your Setup: What Matters in the Heat
1. Do You Have Fresh Water?
Absolute minimum: be very clear whether you provide it or not.
- Ideal: Mains-fed water and clean bowls.
- Good enough: Bring a fresh container and bowl on your morning check.
- IBC tanks: Fine for a splash down, not drinking (especially after baking in the sun all day).
2. Do You Have Shade?
Tree cover, hedgerows, a wooden shelter – anything helps. Shade means a chance for a safe wander even on warmer days. If you’ve got zero shade, be honest with customers. And maybe plan to change that.
3. Any Water Features?
A natural pond or splash zone is great in summer – as long as you’re checking for harmful algal blooms regularly and are proactively managing the water feature. A shallow dunk is gold for overheated dogs. Just make sure it’s safe.
4. Breezy Field?
Coastal field owners and those in wind tunnels: we see you. If your field reliably catches a breeze, shout about it. A daily weather update can help customers make informed choices.
Insurance Stuff (Sorry, But It Matters)
Cheaper insurance often = fewer stipulations = useless when it counts.
- Health alerts from the Met Office may trigger exclusions in your policy.
- These warnings are about human health – not dog-specific – but they still matter for liability.
- We recommend the Met Office app with alerts turned on.
You don’t have to shut down just because there’s a weather warning (nobody is going to force you to, yet) – but if there is one, and you’re still open? Make sure you’re covered.
We strongly believe that closing your field entirely if the temperature in your field is 28 degrees or over is the responsible thing to do.
Refund, Reschedule, or Tough Luck?
Nobody likes losing money. Nobody likes being hounded for refunds either. Here’s a practical way to handle it.
✅ Refund If:
- You close the field entirely during a heatwave.
- A customer cancels in advance (say, 24hrs+).
- You genuinely like the customer and it’s the right thing to do.
🔁 Reschedule If:
- A customer cancels same-day, after refund window.
- You want to keep goodwill without coughing up cash.
❌ No Refund Policy?
We get it. No policy = fewer admin headaches. But it can cause more harm than good in the long run. It erodes trust, especially in extreme weather. We don’t recommend it when it comes to weather and the likelihood is that you will foster bad will and be breaching consumer rights.
Why Some Customers Will Still Want to Come
- No safe outdoor alternatives (boiling pavements, no garden)
- Field is shaded, breezy, and has water
- Dog is reactive and needs secure solo time
- They’re travelling and need a safe toilet stop
It’s not always madness – just make sure they’ve got all the facts and it’s best to address these requests on a case by case basis.
Other Ways to Keep Cool (and Stay Open)
#1 Tweak Your Hours
- Close during peak heat hours (e.g. 10am–7pm)
- Open earlier/later if planning allows – even 30 mins makes a difference
- In most cases you can do this even if your planning permission restricts your opening hours as it relates to animal welfare.
#2 Offer Shorter Sessions
Create 20–30 minute “cooler hour” slots – perfect for a gentle stroll and would allow you to squeeze in needy customers before everything gets too toasty.
#3 Add Shade
Shelters, sails, trees, hedgerows – short and long-term investments matter. Just avoid anything toxic to dogs (yes, even if it grows fast and looks pretty). If you want to know more about how trees can significantly improve your field, have a read of this article.
#4 Add Cooling Features
- Hoses: Better than paddling pools. Add a quality spray head with mist setting.
- Paddling pools: Only if you can change the water between customers. Otherwise, it’s a warm bath of germs.
Final Thought: Play It Smart
There’s no one-size-fits-all policy for hot weather – but sticking your head in the sand isn’t a great plan either.
Think it through. Communicate clearly. Prioritise safety (and sanity). People might not read everything you write… but you must try your best to deliver a duty of care to your customers.