This is page supports the North Richland Hills Animal Adoption and Rescue Center (NRHAARC). NRHAARC Monetary donations are always welcomed.
02/18/2025
Winter Weather Advisory/Extreme Cold Weather Warning for the City of North Richland Hills and surrounding areas.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
These tips can help make sure your pet is safe during winter weather:
Bring them inside. The most important thing you can do to ensure your pets are safe from the upcoming extreme cold temperatures is to bring them inside. Even though they have fur, pets are still at risk of hypothermia in freezing weather. No pets should be left outside for long periods during freezing temperatures. This isn't just for dogs, but CATS TOO!!!!
Keep walks short. Put protective footwear on your pets, if they must be taken for a walk. If you wouldn't walk barefooted, neither should they.
Provide shelter. If you’re unable to bring your pet inside, make sure they have adequate shelter. The shelter should be up off the ground and the door should face away from the wind. Provide thick, dry bedding and replace it regularly if it gets wet. Do not use space heaters or heat lamps due to fire risk, and don’t use heating pads as they can burn your pet’s skin. Ensure they have access to fresh drinking water and food (make sure it’s not frozen by changing it out regularly) as well as shelter that they can stand up in and turn around comfortably.
Collar, tag and chip: Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it's critical that you keep your contact information up-to-date in the microchip registry database.
Recognize a pet in distress. Signs of hypothermia in pets include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and shallow breathing. Frostbite can also be a risk for ears and tails; signs of frostbite include red, swollen areas or pale, white areas. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned your pet may be hypothermic or have frostbite.
Hit the hood of your car before starting the engine. Sometimes cats take cover in engine compartments and can get seriously injured and/or transported away from their home. By hitting the hood of your car, it gives them a chance to get out safely.
Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, and keep the containers away from pets, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Also keep your pet away from de-icers or areas where de-icers have been used, as these can make your pet sick if swallowed.
If you have questions or see an animal in obvious distress, please contact the North Richland Hills Animal Services Division at (817) 427-6570.
