Albany Humane Society advises on pet safety in cold snap

ALBANY, Ga. – As our area gets set to deal with freezing cold temperatures in the next week, we met with the Albany Humane Society to talk about protecting your four-legged friends.

Albany Humane Society Director, Payton Jarrell tells us that, even though freezing weather is a rarity in southwest Georgia, it’s important to not brush it off for your pets’ sake.

“I know it’s south Georgia, so it can’t get too too cold, but with the cold spell coming in, and you definitely want to make sure you’re paying attention to things like looking at your dogs paws when you’re going for walks during the day. Trying to keep them inside as much as possible, and trying to maintain a regular body temperature,” said Payton Jerrell, Director, Albany Humane Society.

There’s also a common concern for cats, especially since Payton tells us they like to hide in places that could end up being dangerous if not checked.

“Not only do they try to hide in things like tires, they can also try to, since it’s very pleasing to them is get into a warm engine. So, it’s always recommended that, if it’s a cold day, that you lift up your hood, check under the hood before you start your car, honk your horn…” said Jarrell.

If you keep your pets outside, the Humane Society tells us what needs to be done to keep them warm if they want to stay outside.

“If you’re unable to keep your pet inside for reasons, we recommend definitely having a warm shelter, padded with a lot of blankets, hay, things like that. We don’t recommend things like heat lamps, just because those things could be dangerous…” said Jarrell.

And, of course, if the nighttime temperatures prove to be too much, the Humane Society offers up one other piece of advice.

“This is a great opportunity to bring your babies inside, on the couch with you, snuggle with them, and you can just curl up and watch a movie with them,” said Jarrell.

With the freezing weather setting in, the Humane Society says now is the time to make sure your pets aren’t left out in the cold.

Brian Roche reporting.

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