Winter Freeze: Tips for Keeping Pets Safe

As a winter storm approaches the Greater Houston area, the Houston SPCA is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in our care. Here’s what to expect:

• Early Closure: Our Adoption Center, Rehoming Center, Foster Care Center, and Wildlife Center, will close at 5 p.m. on January 20th. Normal operating hours will resume Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.
• Ongoing Animal Care: Our dedicated Animal Care Team will remain on campus to care for over 500 animals, including injured wildlife.
• Modified Services: Our Animal Cruelty Investigation Team and our Injured Animal Ambulance will operate on a modified schedule, resuming when roads are safe.
• Equine and Farm Animal Care: Horses and farm animals have been brought inside the Equine Rescue Center, where they are receiving extra hay and electrolytes for hydration.

We want to remind pet owners to take special precautions during this winter storm, including:

• Safe Outdoor Dogs Act: Ensure your pets have adequate food, water, and shelter. In cold temperatures, pets may require 25-50% more calories to stay warm.
• Protecting Cats and Canines: Never leave pets in cars; the car interior can quickly become as dangerously cold as a refrigerator. Always check the car hood by banging loudly on the hood before starting the engine to ensure no cats have taken refuge inside.
• Signs of Distress: Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as shallow breathing, weakness, and shivering. Bring pets inside and contact your veterinarian if needed.
• Equine Care: Horses should have access to a barn or three-sided shelter to escape cold winds. Blankets can help keep them warm and dry, especially in extreme cold. Ensure water troughs and buckets are not frozen, and provide unlimited food to help horses maintain body temperature.

The Houston SPCA is dedicated to protecting animals, and these preparations will help ensure our campus and community are ready for the coming storm. If you see an animal in immediate distress, please call 713-869-7722. To report cruelty, visit HoustonSPCA.org.