DON'T LEAVE YOUR PETS OUTSIDE IN THE FREEZING COLD

It should go without saying, but please don't leave your pet outside in this ridiculously bone-chilling cold weather, especially these days when the temperatures have dropped below 20 degrees! You sometimes hear of stories where people get a visit from animal control for their obnoxiously barking dogs, but people can also get a visit from "The Man" if they keep their pets outside when the temps drop below freezing.

I have a neighbor who always leaves their dog outside 24/7, rain or shine. I usually feel sorry for this dog because it doesn't ever get to run around in the yard--it is always left on a short chain (probably to keep it from digging holes and escaping). I often yell out, "Hey little baby!" to it and it just stares at me like I am crazy (which could be accurate).

Winter snow day scene
Getty Images/UWMadison
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I do know that the teenage kids that live in the house play outside with the dog every day, so at least the pet gets a ton of love even if it can't roam freely in the backyard. I was very happy to notice that the owners have decided to keep this dog inside the house lately because of the frigid weather temps. Yay!

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2 GREAT TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PETS DURING THE WINTER WEATHER

Cat walking in the snow
Ryu Swag via YouTube
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A couple of years ago, the City of Yakima sent out a public notice with tips on keeping pets safe during hazardous weather conditions.

City of Yakima Logo
yakimawa.gov
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  • Don't give your pet a short hair cut during winter months so that their fur can keep their bodies warm.
  • Give your pet a pet sweater or coat to keep them from shivering in the frosty air. Pets can get frostbite, too!
The dog freezes. Funny dog wrapped in a warm blanket
Getty Images/kozorog
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HOW TO FILE AN ANIMAL COMPLAINT IN YAKIMA

If you see a pet that you think is being neglected in the cold weather you can call the City of Yakima hotline number at 509-575-6038.

Submit an online complaint with the "Yak Back" link if you would rather handle the situation that way. Click here for the Spanish version or here for the English version. You can even file this complaint anonymously.

If you get a complaint against you for violating the City of Yakima's Municipal Codes regarding family pets, you will likely be charged a huge fine, face arrest, or possibly have your pet impounded!.

Keep your pet safe from freezing to death by keeping them inside your house! By doing this, you will also save yourself from getting a huge fine from the City.

ADOPT A PET FROM THE YAKIMA HUMANE SOCIETY

Want to adopt a pet? Visit the Yakima Humane Society at 2405 W Birchfield Rd or visit their website here.

WATCH THIS SHORT CUTE VIDEO FOR A SMILE

Watch this short video (it's 24 seconds long) showing a super cute black cat taking a leisurely stroll in the snow, then keep reading to find out which pets are officially banned here in the state of Washington!

 

See Which Pets Are Officially Banned Here in Washington State

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