Animal Protection: Keep Pets Safe During The Storm

DENVER, CO —With at least one weathermen predicting this weekend's snowstorm could be "among the biggest on record in Denver," pet owners are reminded about the importance of keeping their pets safe from the elements.

Denver Animal Protection, a division of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, has put out a release highlighting ways owners can protect pets from the dangers of heavy snow, cold temperatures and even from poisons and hazardous materials. Animal protection also reminds owners that a failure to provide proper shelter for pets could result in a $999 fine and/or a year in jail.

The first obvious tip about pet protection during winter-like weather, is to avoid leaving pets outside. If the weather is too bad for you and your family, it's also not safe for your pets, according to Animal Protection.

If you must leave your animal outside for extended periods, there is a Denver city ordinance requiring pets to have outdoor shelter, like a dog house or porch, allowing the animal to escape the cold.

Among the other tips for pet owners:

• Do not let your pet roam unaccompanied after heavy snow. Pets of all types can become confused in heavy snow, and it can turn their acute sense of smell useless. This can lead to them becoming disoriented and getting lost.
• Make sure your pet is wearing tags and collars with up-to-date contact information, just in case it gets lost.
• Stock up on all pet food and medicines in advance of the storm.
• When pets come in from the outdoors, remove snow, ice, salt and other ice-treatment chemicals from their coats and paws with a moist washcloth. This will keep them dry, but also prevent them from licking the chemicals and getting sick.
• Don’t leave dangerous and potentially lethal chemicals like snow and ice remover or antifreeze within your pet’s reach.
• Prepare for the possibility of a power outage. This is especially important for pets that are amphibious or have scales and require a warmer environment. A backup generator might be a good investment to save the lives of these little creatures.
• Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles before starting them up. Stray cats often look for refuge in warm engines.

For information about Denver’s Animal Protection ordinances or additional pet safety tips, visit the Denver Animal Shelter online.