12/22/2022
If you see an animal left outside in the cold, there are several organizations you can call to report it.
Here is a list of local places to call:
Humane Society of Missouri – 314-647-4400
St. Louis City Animal Control – 314-657-1500
Stray Rescue of St. Louis – 314-771-6121
CARE STL – 314-818-2000
St. Louis County Animal Control– 314-615-0650
After hours – 314-889-2341
St. Charles County Animal Control – 636-949-7387
St. Charles Animal Control
Weekdays – 636-949-3395
Nights – 636-949-3396
Weekends/holidays – 636-949-3300
St. Peters City Animal Control – (636) 278-2255
Jefferson County Animal Control – 636-797-5577
Arnold Animal Control – 636-282-2387
Wentzville Animal Control – 636-327-5105
St. Clair County Animal Control – 618-235-0585
With the extremely cold temperatures, some local shelters are bringing in more dogs than they have space for and are in desperate need of foster homes.
If you can't foster, you can also help by donating items like straw, crates, leashes and more. You can always give a monetary donation as well.
Here's a list of several shelters across the area you can help:
Stray Rescue
CARE STL
Gateway Pet Guardians
Needy Paws Rescue
APA of Missouri
Judy’s Forgotten Jewells
Animal House Cat Rescue
STL Lost Pets
Crestwood Animal Shelter
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
Canines in Crisis
Goode Life Pet Rescue
Pals of Lincoln County
Five Acres Animal Shelter
Shelter Friends
SNUGGLE Pet Rescue
5A’s Animal Shelter
Below are cold weather tips from the Humane Society of Missouri:
Bring pets inside: Pets cannot be outside for long periods of time in this weather. A common misconception that fur will protect a pet in cold weather is just that, a misconception! Just like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite and should not be left outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time, no matter the circumstance.
Provide a cozy space: If there are no other options and animals are going to be left outdoors, owners must provide a well-insulated, draft-free, appropriately sized doghouse with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Adequate shelter is mandatory by law.
Press “paws” on pet injuries: Upon coming inside, check your animal’s paws for signs of cold-weather damage, such as a cracked paw pad, redness between toes and any bleeding, as well as chemicals such as rock salt.
Layer up your pup: If your dog has a thinner coat or seems bothered by cooler temperatures, consider a sweater or a dog coat. But be careful – a wet sweater or coat can actually make your dog colder, so keep it dry.
Schedule your winter wellness exam: If your pet has not visited the veterinarian for their annual wellness exam, don’t delay. Cold weather can worsen certain medical conditions such as arthritis, so bring your pets into the vet when it’s safe outside!
As an arctic blast heads our way, bitter cold temperatures and snow are expected.