Protecting your pet from the cold this winter

Freezing temperatures may come and go this winter, but it's important to be prepared when temperatures drop.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Freezing temperatures may come and go this winter, but it’s important to be prepared when temperatures drop.

For pet owners, that means making sure you have the right shelter to protect your animal from the cold.

According to Jessica McAbee, an animal control officer for the city of Warner Robins, you could be subject to fines or even jail time if you leave your pet outside during harsh weather conditions.

“It can be considered cruelty to animals if something happens and the animal freezes out there and it didn’t have adequate bedding or shelter that it needs,” McAbee said.

In Houston County, pet owners are required to have a shelter with three sides, a floor and a roof, as well as adequate bedding if the animal is to remain outside.

McAbee recommends bedding such as blankets or hay so the shelter is dry and well insulated.

“Anything for insulation for them to be able to create more heat to keep the shelter form, because they can freeze in these dog houses,” she said. “They’re plastic. It’s gonna get cold.”

She says to make sure the roof of the shelter is secure in case of high winds and that no water has accumulated inside.

“Any freezing weather or not any good weather at all,” she said. “Even if there’s going to be tornadoes, bad storms and stuff like that, because these tops can blow off. Anything can happen.”

If you’re concerned about an animal’s welfare, McAbee says don’t hesitate to call animal control.

She says if you’re not sure if it’s safe to leave your pet outside, bring them in the house.

“Any time I go out on a call like that or something, my biggest recommendation is, during this time if you don’t want to be out in it, why would they want to be out in it? Bring them inside just during this time,” she said.

She says laws vary from county to county, so be sure to check your county’s ordinances to find out what type of shelter is required.