Pet Safety

When the weather is undergoing extreme temperatures, there are safety precautions that you can take to protect your pets.

Take Extra Precautions for Pets in Cold Weather

While some pets can't get enough of the snow, others would rather avoid it. Either way, be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly. During extreme cold snaps, consider keeping pets indoors or shortening walks while watching for signs such as:

Lifting their feet high off of the ground

Licking feet (ice building up on the pads of their feet)

Shivering

Shaking

Whining

Appearing anxious

Slowing down or stopping often

Tucking feet under their body

Curling up in a tight ball with their tail over them

Other Ways to Help Keep Pets Safe During Winter

Use a Protected Dog House

Pets who spend a lot of time outside need access to a well-insulated and heated wooden structure that is protected from wind, rain and snow and is equipped with straw. Blankets are not recommended as they are prone to freezing.

It's important to ensure your pet's water and food are not frozen. Avoid using plastic doghouses and metal dishes.

Safeguard Pets From Frostbite

Pets are vulnerable to frostbite; particularly the ears, paws, nose and tip of the tail. Frostbite is sometimes hard to detect. Frostbitten areas initially turn a reddish colour than grey or bluish.

If you suspect your pet has frostbite, take them to their veterinarian for further care.

Avoid Ice Melt and Salted Roads

Salt and chemicals in ice melt can irritate a dog's paws or be harmful if ingested. Check your pet's feet after a walk and wipe off any excess snow/ice or any debris.

Avoid Frozen Ponds, Rivers, Lakes and other Water

Many animals and people have perished going onto ice-covered bodies of water. If you see someone or a pet fall through the ice, call 911. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.

Do a Walk Around your Car to Check for Animals

Before driving, do a walk around your car to check for animals. Outdoor cats find antifreeze appealing because it's sweet. Cats also like to curl up around a car engine for warmth. By giving a knock on the hood or honking your horn you will hopefully scare them off.

Concerned about an Animal's Welfare?

Make a complaint if you see an animal in distress or one that has been neglected, abandoned or abused.

Within city limits, the City of Edmonton's Animal Control Peace Officers and the Edmonton Police Service both deal with animal welfare concerns.

Animal Control Peace Officers investigate concerns that fall under the Animal Protection Act including neglect and abandonment

Edmonton Police Service investigates concerns that fall under the Criminal Code of Canada including intentional abuse of animals, poisoning concerns or threats to kill an animal.

For more information on who to call, visit Animal Protection.

Online	Contact 311
Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Online

Contact 311

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Take Extra Precautions for Pets in Cold Weather

Other Ways to Help Keep Pets Safe During Winter

Concerned about an Animal's Welfare?

Pet Bylaw Violations

Contact Us

Animal Care & Control Centre