SAN ANTONIO – It’s set to be the coldest week of the season in the Alamo City, and pets are the most vulnerable to the chilly temperatures.
Animal Care Services (ACS) urges all pet owners to keep furry friends inside during the freeze.
According to a statement from the organization, there will be zero tolerance for weather-related violations this week.
Violators will receive a criminal citation for tethering or standard of care violations, starting at $3,000, the statement said.
ACS said tethering is illegal and never allowed when the pet is sick or injured, when the tether is a chain, if the pet is a female dog in heat or if the pet is a puppy.
It is also unlawful to leave your pets tethered in a way that unreasonably limits their movements to find shelter when the actual or “real-feel” temperature is below 32 degrees.
If your pet needs to be outdoors for any reason, ACS urges you to provide an insulated shelter with walls, a roof and an elevated floor to keep them warm and dry.
The statement said outdoor pets must always have access to shelter, food, fresh air, shade, and freshwater that doesn’t freeze. However, animals must be brought inside when temperatures drop to freezing.
Additionally, pet owners should take care with chemicals such as antifreeze, as it is deadly to pets, according to ACS.
ACS also reminds you to bang on your car hood before starting the engine, as cats often seek warmth in that area.
To learn more about pet standard of care laws for San Antonio, you can visit their website.
If you see a pet in need, you can call 311 to report a violation or go to this website.
