18/01/2025
❄️🥶 Cold Weather Pet Safety Reminder 🥶❄️
As temperatures drop into the 20s, we urge everyone to prioritize their pets' safety during the cold weather. Just like us, our furry friends need extra care to stay warm and healthy.
Bring Pets Indoors:
If at all possible, bring your cats and dogs indoors. If you can’t bring them inside your home, set up a warm space in a garage or covered area. Use a kennel with plenty of bedding and consider adding a heater to keep them safe from the chilly wind.
Outdoor Pet Care:
If your pets must stay outdoors, ensure they have a sturdy shelter with three enclosed walls, a roof, and a floor (not the ground). Add warm, dry bedding such as blankets or straw, and consider a heat lamp for extra warmth. Be sure the heat lamp is installed safely to prevent fire hazards.
Food and Water:
Outdoor animals need plenty of food and fresh water to help their bodies generate heat. Check water bowls frequently to ensure they haven’t frozen. Break the ice or replace frozen water to keep it accessible.
Avoid Chaining Dogs:
Remember, leaving a dog chained outside when temperatures fall below 32 degrees is illegal. Chaining also prevents them from seeking shelter, putting them at greater risk.
To report cruelty or improper shelter, call 311 or (409)980-8311 to have an ACO dispatched. Take these steps to protect your pets during this cold snap—they’re counting on you!