Be On Lookout for Pets Without Adequate Shelter

Press release:

The Bergen County SPCA is reminding area residents to protect their pets from dangerous, freezing weather conditions.

“With ... extreme cold temperatures, especially with wind chills in the single digits, most dog houses or other outdoor animal shelters are not sufficient to keep pets warm,” notes Roni Wildoner, Deputy Chief of the Bergen County SPCA. “Pets require proper shelter, based on animal breed, size, and physical condition.”

Leaving your pets outside without adequate shelter is against the law in New Jersey under the states Title IV animal cruelty laws. If proper shelter cannot be provided, owners must keep their pets indoors. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite.

The Bergen County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division will be responding to all calls concerning animals without proper shelter as the highest priority.

The Bergen County SPCA is also reminding residents of the following safety tips for their pets during extreme winter weather conditions:

• Ensure that your pet has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Pets can become dehydrated even in cold winter weather. Water must be kept unfrozen. Heated bowls are available commercially for this purpose.
• Cold and unheated garages, sheds, or outbuildings may not provide adequate shelter for pets. An appropriate sized pet shelter will help contain the animal’s body heat. Dog houses should have flaps to cover their openings, soft, dry bedding to elevate the pet off the floor, and may need to be heated based on outside temperature.
• Outdoor and feral cats may look for warmth in wheel wells or under the hood of vehicles. Make sure to check your car before you get in and drive away.

“If you see a pet outside without proper shelter, please do not hesitate to call the Bergen SPCA,” says Deputy Chief Wildoner. “Don’t assume someone else will say something. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.”

To report suspect animal cruelty or neglect, including pets without proper shelter in Bergen County, contact the Bergen County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Division at 201-573-8900 or online at BergenSPCA.org.

Complaints may be kept confidential. If the animal is located outside of Bergen County, please contact your local police and/or SPCA.