Cold weather can pose serious harm to your pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets safe this winter!

Limit time outside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet!
De-ice! Dig ice balls out of your pets’ feet when they come in from being outside. Ice balls can lead to bruising or cuts on the paw pad.
Remove salt. Wipe off paws to remove any salt. Salt can irritate your pet’s paw pads or cause mouth or stomach issues if ingested.
Fresh water. Lower humidity levels in the winter can lead to your pet drinking more water to stay hydrated. Be sure their bowl is fresh and full!
Stay home. Cold cars are just as bad for the health of your pet as a hot car in the summer. In cold weather, cars cool down rapidly acting like a refrigerator trapping the cold air in.

Community cats and strays can use your help too!

Shelter. Provide shelter for cats to get away from snow, wind, and other elements. Insulate the shelter with straw. Straw repels moisture and cats can burrow down into it. Don’t use blankets or towels as they absorb precious body heat.
Food and water. Keep their food and water from freezing. If possible, consider using a heated water bowl. A regular supply of food will help them conserve the energy they need to stay warm while helping to provide natural insulation.
Avoid salt. Salt can be harmful to cats’ paw pads and can be lethal when licked off.
Check your vehicle before starting. Cats are resilient and will seek shelter anyway. Be sure to bang on the hood or honk your horn prior to starting the engine.