In rural communities, many let their cats outside but Harold Rowsell, manager at the shelter, says that’s not a good idea, particularly in frigid temperatures.
“With their indoor/outdoor cats, the best thing in my opinion would be to just make sure they’re in during the storm and very cold weather,” says Rowsell. “They may not like it but at least they’re safe and warm.
Although temperatures are expected to come up during the storm, the weather will still be messy.
“It’s extremely cold and if anybody does have dogs or cats and if possible they should not be out in this weather, skin freezes very fast, and they need shelter just like we do,” says Rowsell.
Rowsell stresses that SHAID does not have enforcement officers so if you do spot pets in distress, he says to call the SPCA or RCMP.