PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet.
With Pennsylvania and New Jersey each declaring a state of emergency due to the frigid temperatures, animal welfare organizations are reminding pet owners to protect their furry friends while outdoors.
"We actually have a little device that we put inside the shelter to check temperatures," said Nicole Wilson, Pennsylvania SPCA director of humane law enforcement, "and if it doesn't meet the standard, then that would be a violation."
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— ASPCA (@ASPCA) January 18, 2019It is illegal in the commonwealth to leave your pets outdoors in extreme weather without proper shelter.
Wilson said even cats that spend long periods of time outdoors need shelter, too.
"And just providing them with that safe space where they can get warm," she added. "Obviously it is preferred for them to stay inside."
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— ACCT Philly (@ACCTPhilly) January 18, 2019And if you tie your dog up outside, there is a time limit.
"If you are tethering your dog, it can not be out for longer than an hour in temperatures below 32 degrees," Wilson noted.
If you are concerned about an animal's welfare in the winter weather, contact the PSPCA's humane law enforcement officers, who will be sent to check out the situation. You can reach the PSPCA animal cruelty hotline at 866-601-7722.
