The Erie Humane Society is reminding us all to keep pets indoors, especially on frigid days. 

Keep your cats inside and only allow your dogs outside a few minutes at a time, as they can quickly suffer from frostbite and can freeze to death in such cold conditions. Young and elderly pets are more at risk, as they have more difficulties regulating and maintaining body heat.

The Erie Humane society says if your dog is outside for more than a few minutes in these cold, snowy conditions, they must have access to an adequate, insulated dog house with straw packed inside and a flap on the dog house door. Do not use anything fabric for bedding because when it becomes wet it freezes. It is best the shelter face east, away from the oncoming weather.

Livestock must have access to a barn or a 3 sided lean for shelter against the elements. A tree line is not adequate for legal shelter. It is best the shelter face east, away from the oncoming weather.

PA tethering laws prohibit a dog from being chained outside for more than 30 minutes when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures are between 32 degrees and 90 degrees, a dog is permitted to be chained outside up to 9 hours out of a 24 hour day.