Beat the Chill: Metro Animal Care and Control Promotes Winter Safety for Pets!

Media Contact: Ashley Harrington, Metro Animal Care and Control, 615-862-7928

As frigid and possibly snowy weather impacts the Nashville region this week, Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) is urging pet owners to prioritize their pets’ health and well-being. Low temperatures can be a significant danger to pets if necessary precautions are not implemented. Moreover, icy and snowy conditions can pose further complications and risks for pet owners.

Forecasts indicate temperatures will stay below freezing for an extended duration. Pet owners should seriously contemplate bringing their pets indoors when temperatures become uncomfortable. If taking your outdoor pet inside isn’t viable, outdoor pets require a warm, sturdy shelter such as a doghouse to keep them cozy and shield them from wind and harsh conditions. The entrance of the shelter should face away from the wind, and it is advisable to elevate the floor off the ground to prevent their bedding from becoming wet. Utilize straw or cedar shavings for bedding, as blankets and towels can retain moisture. Metro’s tethering ordinance stipulates that puppies and pregnant or nursing animals must be brought inside when temperatures drop below freezing. Additional guidance for pets during extreme weather can be found at Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pet Owners.

MACC Animal Control Officers will be actively engaged throughout this cold weather period and request public assistance in ensuring the safety of the community’s animals. If a pet goes missing, there are procedures and resources available to help pet owners attempt to find their lost pet. Local Lost and Found Groups provide support in reconnecting pets with their owners when they are located. The online network of volunteers that constitute the lost and found groups aids in bringing many families back together with their pets without necessitating a trip to the shelter. A directory of Lost and Found groups can be accessed at Facebook Lost and Found Pets Groups.

If a pet is discovered by a neighbor or community member, there are measures the finder can take to facilitate the reunion of the pet with its family prior to reaching out to MACC. Inspect the pet’s collar for contact details. Found pets can also be listed on 24PetConnect.com under the “Reported Found” tab. The finder can also browse the “Reported Lost” tab to see if the found pet has been reported as missing. Publishing the found pet on Lost and Found Groups online can also aid in reuniting the pet with its family. Flyers and posters may be created to raise awareness of the found pet. Lost pets are frequently found near their homes, making posters and flyers especially beneficial. More guidance for found pets is available at Guidelines for Found Pets.

Animal Control Reports can be submitted online at Animal Control, Cruelty, and Complaints. MACC serves as the municipal shelter for Nashville and Davidson County. The shelter is situated at 5125 Harding Place and is open for adoptions, lost pet reclaiming, and other community services from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.