RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – With single-digit temperatures in the forecast for Tuesdaymorning, the Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA) is urging pet owners to take care of their animals.
“Virginia law requires the provision of adequate shelter for companion animals,” VACA president Rob Leinberger wrote in an email. “Under the law, adequate shelter includes protection from the adverse effects of heat or cold.”
Failure to provide your pet with adequate shelter could land you in jail, not to mention could harm, or even kill, your pet.
“If you have an outside pet, add more insulation to the shelter (such as straw or other bedding) to help protect against the extreme cold,” Leinberger wrote. “The VACA encourages you to bring the animal indoors.”
Other things you should keep in mind:
- Check outside water sources frequently as they’ll be quick to freeze
- Outdoor pets need more calories during extreme cold to help stay warm.
