Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a reflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Heroes of HSoP The Heart Behind the Humane Society A t HSoP, we recognize that you, our supporters, are the drivin g force behind everything we do. Our ability to protect and care for lost and homeless pets only exists because of people like you, who believe that all pets deserve second chances and a safe pla ce to go. Your dedication has inspired us to create a program that acknowledges your generosity, while amplifying the impact of your contributions. Thank You to Our 2024 H eroes of HSoP! Brent Jeffers Loyal Lifesaver Diana Moss Loyal Lifesaver Nate Sletteland Loyal Lifesaver Scott Smith Loyal Lifesaver Kim Salisbury Humane Hero Become a Hero of HSoP Today! First name Email Last name Phone Address (Please include city and state) T-Shirt Size Choose an option I prefer to remain anonymous in the public eye I prefer to have my donor benefits sent by mail *Picking up your benefits saves us money, which means more of it goes to help pets in need! Go to Checkout Thank you for becoming a hero to local pets in need! Make your first donation today Why “Heroes of HSoP”? Heroes of HSoP is more than just a recogn ition program; it’s a celebration of the co llective change that can happen when caring individuals like yourself come together for good. By launching the program, we aim to: 1. Celebrate Your Impact Highlight the tangible difference your support makes for the lives of lost and homeless pets within our community. 2. Foster Community Create a sense of kinship and belonging among our loyal donors, uniting everyone through a shared commitment to animal welfare. 3. Encourage Sustained Support Provide a structured framework that encourages ongoing and increasing contributions, ensuring lasting support for our programs and services. Program Levels and Benefits To express our sincere gratitude, we’ve crafted distinctive benefits for each level of contribution: 1. Caring Companion ($101-250 annual donations) Heroes of HSoP static window cling Heroes of HSoP T-shirt Public acknowledgement of support, unless preferred otherwise 2. Shelter Sidekick ($251-750 annual donations) All Caring Companion benefits Complimentary Pet Pictures with Santa Personalized Certificate of Appreciation 3. Humane Hero ($751-1,500 annual donations) All Shelter Sidekick benefits Invitation to new HSoP donor dinner, scheduled for January 2025 4. Loyal Lifesaver ($1,501+ annual donations) All Humane Hero benefits Engraved plaque on new HSoP donor recognition wall Become a Hero of HSoP Please embark on this exciting journey with us by making an annual contribution aligned with your desired recognition level. To join the inaugural class of Heroes of HSoP, please enter your details below. For any questions regarding Heroes of HSoP, please contact our Shelter Director by emailing director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Heroes of HSoP is an “opt-in” program, so please complete the form below to receive benefits! We eagerly invite you to join us as we navigate through the first year of Heroes of HSoP. Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a r eflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Frequently asked questions Heroes of HSoP FAQ Do I have to donate the full amount at one time? No. We keep track of named donations made to the shelter ( though donations made anonymously cannot be tracked and tallied ), and will have benefits ready for pickup once a donor reaches the threshold of being a Caring Companion, Shelter Sidekick, Humane Hero*, or Loyal Lifesaver*. *To receive an invitation to the January 2025 donor dinner, the Humane Hero or Loyal Lifesaver threshold must be met no later than October 1st to provide sufficient time for planning. **If you donate through a third-party like Facebook, PayPal Giving Fund, add-on donations at check-out, etc, please provide confirmation of your donation via screenshots or a confirmation email so we can count your donation toward your yearly total. We do not receive full donor details from third parties like this, and are unable to track these donations without hearing from our donors directly. How do I receive my benefits/goodies? All Heroes of HSoP benefits will be prepared and ready for pickup at HSoP, located at 2019 E White Ave Moscow, ID, after donors reach the Caring Companion threshold. Donors will be notified when their benefits are ready for pickup, and can stop by during open hours to collect them. If you prefer to have your Heroes of HSoP benefits shipped to your home address, please make sure to designate this wish by checking the appropriate box in the signup form above. When do I receive my benefits/goodies? Benefits will be available for pickup once your total donations for the calendar year reach the threshold of any tier. We will contact donors to let them know when benefits are ready for pickup. If you prefer to have your benefits sent by mail, please select check the box in the signup form above. For instance, if you donate $25 to HSoP per month and opt-in to the program, you will receive our Caring Companion benefits after donating a total of $125. If you receive your Caring Companion benefits and continue donating until you reach the threshold of being a Shelter Sidekick, we'll be sure to prepare your additional goodies, too! Can I still direct my donation to a certain area of the shelter? Absolutely! Heroes of HSoP is just our way of saying Thank You to the people who make our work possible. If there is a specific program you would like to support, or a specific expense you would like your donation to fund, we're delighted to make that happen. If you would like your funds to be directed to a specific program or project, please just let us know! You can always write on the subject line of checks or in the memo of PayPal donations, but you can always email Lauren at outreach@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org to make sure your funds go to the right place. Can I remain anonymous and still receive benefits? Of course! If you would like to remain anonymous to the public, but still receive Heroes of HSoP benefits, make sure to check the box in the signup form above. We are unable to track donations that are made anonymously . You will need to name yourself in your donations in order to receive benefits, but no one outside of HSoP will see your name if you do not wish to have it seen. If you happen to change your mind about staying anonymous, please contact Lauren, our PR Manager, at outreach@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org and we'll get it sorted! Still have questions about the program? Feel free to contact our Shelter Director, by sending an email to director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org .

Learn about our shelter's policies and procedures regarding feral cats in Latah County. Feral Cat Information What is a Feral Cat? Feral cats have multiple definitions. There is the definition used in a 2003 article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, that says a feral cat is “untamed and evasive; they either were born in the wild and lack socialization or were returned to the wild and became untrusting of humans.” Wolf, Peter J. "What Is a Feral Cat?" Petfinder. Petfinder, n.d. Web. 22 June 2017. What's the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. Both are pet cats. Stray cats are cats that were once owned and have strayed from home. Stray cats are homeless tame cats. Over time, without humane socialization, stray cats can become feral cats. Feral cats are pet cats that have never had human contact, and will not willingly interact with humans. Check out this PDF from Alley Cat Allies to learn more. What are feral cats classified as in the State of Idaho? Feral cats are not classified by Idaho Fish and Game as wildlife, they are feral pet animals. Is it legal to kill feral cats in the state of Idaho? According to Idaho Fish and Game: “The killing of feral cats is so much more than a simple legal question and answer. It may be legal when protecting your property, such as feral cats engaged in the taking of your livestock or even pets. Taking a feral cat in the wilds of Idaho would require a valid hunting license. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind: Are you in a city limit that prohibits the discharge of a firearm? Does the county have a no shooting safety ordinance for your neighborhood? Is the cat actually Feral, or has Muffy escaped their yard and the 8 year old owner out looking for their pet kitty?” Click here to learn more about Idaho Animal Laws; Title 25 Animals, Chapter 35 Animal Care. Who is responsible for the care of feral cats in the state of Idaho? In the eyes of the State of Idaho, the responsibility falls on the property owner unless the county or city they reside in has their own specific ordinances for feral cat care. Latah County does not have any animal control or regulations for cats. The city of Moscow does not have any specific animal code for cats or feral cats. The responsibility than falls on the property owner. According to Idaho Animal Code, control and responsibility of feral cats fall on the property owner. https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title25/T25CH35/ Does the Humane Society of the Palouse take in feral cats? The HSoP is unable to take in wild, free-roaming cats because the shelter does not contain facilities conducive to the care of untamed animals. Though HSoP wants to have the ability to take in feral cats, we have limitations. Feral cats require safety equipment that HSoP does not have, nor can HSoP afford at this point in time. In order to take in ferals, HSoP would also need to expand enough to take in additional animals that are not companion animals, which at this time is not financially possible. For 40 years HSoP has served Latah County and the City of Moscow’s needs for companion, tame animals. We do not have the labor, training, equipment or expertise to take care of wild animals. Though HSoP is unable to take in feral cats, we do offer a program that helps to limit infectious diseases and unwanted births among feral cats in Latah County. Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program works to safely trap feral cats so our vet partners can vaccinate and sterilize them before being released where they were found. This program is offered for all residents of Latah County and helps immensely with reducing the homeless cat population. HSoP will cover all costs associated with feral cats who benefit from our TNR program. For more information, visit our TNR page . How can you help feral cats? One way you can help feral cats in Latah County is to get them involved in the HSoP TNR program . This ensures that they are properly vaccinated against infectious diseases and spayed or neutered to prevent any future litters of homeless cats. Visit: http://animalhouseferals.com/ to learn more about how you can help local feral cats! HSoP Position on Feral Cats For 40 years, we have served local animals under our mission statement: “The Humane Society of the Palouse is a no-kill animal shelter located in Moscow ID, founded in 1978. Our mission is to ensure the humane treatment, welfare and safety of companion animals in Moscow and Latah County. We strive to prevent cruelty to animals, to ensure companion animals are adopted by responsible and caring owners, to promote spaying/neutering, to educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership, and to minimize euthanasia.” We are acutely aware of the feral population in Latah County, the city of Moscow and the UI Campus and are doing everything within our means and ability to help. We are locally operated with a small staff and dedicated volunteers. There are currently no regulations or ordinance for felines in Latah County. We recommend that this be the starting point for containing this issue. Without regulation, feral cats continuously have unwanted and uncared for litters. If there were enforceable animal code regarding responsible ownership of cats in Latah County, we would see a decrease in unwanted animals. We are actively taking measures to find a solution for ferals. We are looking into grants for funding a feral solution program, and re-organizing our own operation in order to help alleviate the feral burden without jeopardizing the animals in our shelter. In our mission statement, we state that we will find homes for companion animals. There are many reasons for this. To provide services for feral animals, we would need a new facility with up to date kennels for the safety of the staff and animals, we would need more funding for specialized training and gear. At this time, those needs cannot be met with current funding or facility. In the past, HSoP partnered with the FCS program. Where we engaged in doing a TNR providing preventative care as well as euthanization for those with HIV, or those with extremely poor health. Our FCS program was able to make ends meet by charging $50 per cat. The FCS clinics were a “win win” for cat owners, WSU vet med students, and HSoP. FCS has since dissolved. Humane Live Traps Tips and Tricks to Trapping Feral Cats Trap entrance This is where the feral cat will enter Weight lever Once the cat steps on this, the door will close trapping the cat inside. Place food here to entice the cat to walk into the trap and put weight on the lever. 1 2 3 Disguise the trap to look like a cozy den. This will help the fearful ferals feel more comfortable going into the trap. What tasty food to put in the trap? Canned cat food Tuna fish Sardines (no additives) Gerber baby food (ham or turkey) Other Trapping Information: You must own the property you are trapping on. If you rent, you must have the land owners verbal consent to set a trap. If you catch any kind of wildlife, call Palouse Wildlife and Rehabilitation for instructions on humanely releasing the animal. (208) 614-2273 Helping that stubborn feral get into the trap If a cat is reluctant to enter the trap, you may need to help them get more comfortable with it. Clip the trap door open, so it will not shut when weight is on the lever. Leave the door open for a few days, so the cat can come and go as it pleases. This will create a routine for the cat. After four-five days, remove the clip and prepare to catch the cat. Create a food trail leading into the trap. Place some food outside the trap door, and drop pieces every few inches to entice the cat to walk into the trap. Cover the traps like the photos above. Feral cats like to find covered hidey holes or dens to stay in. This makes them feel protected against predators. Try covering the traps with a blanket, or some leaves and twigs. Try different locations. If the cat is reluctant to enter the trap where you have it, try relocating the trap to other locations on your property. I've trapped the cat...now what? Great job! The toughest part is over. Now that the cat is in the trap, place a blanket or towel over the top. This will help them stay relaxed, and protect you from any claws or teeth if they panic! Take your cat to the vet to have it spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. Once your feral has been taken care of at the vet office, it's time to release them back to their home. Releasing a feral cat back to the same location has a lot of great perks for the cat and the property owner! Feral cats do not like people, which means they won't bother you. They just need a nice place to sleep, and maybe a little cat chow! Feral cats will reduce your pesky rodent population! Fixed feral cats will not be inclined to allow intact cats to come onto the property. They will keep other feral cats from coming to your property. One feral cat is perfect...but nobody wants ten! You saved a homeless pets life!

HSoP Resource Library Below you will find a collection of resource pages for our pet-loving community members. Each page lists local resources for a variety of pet-related needs. Please feel free to view, download, print, and use these resources at any point in time. These resources are also available for the public at our facility. Assistance for Pet Owners - Services offered by HSoP Pet Rehoming Services and Assistance Lost Pet Resources Make a post on Petco Love Lost and look through the existing pets who were recently found. Found Pet Resources Pet Boarding Services Pet Training Services Veterinary Services Vet Bill Assistance

December 1977 The need for a humane society in Latah County On December 13th, 1977, The Idahoan published an article titled "The Man Who Kills Dogs". The author, David Johnson, wrote a gritty and detailed account of the euthanasia taking place every day at what was once the Moscow Pound. The response to Johnson's article was swift and substantial. Within days of being published, the Idahoan received several letters to the editor. Some of the titles included "Do Something", "Don't Dump Them", and "Form Humane Society". The people of Moscow were moved by Johnson's article, and soon the idea of a humane society seemed both possible and necessary. January 1978 The first steps Following the cries for a Humane Society to be formed, a group of Latah County residents took it upon themselves to make it happen. Lorin Roberts and J.D. Farrar led the march when it came to getting a humane society up and running. In 1978, a yearly membership with the humane society costed individuals $5. There was no building, or even real plans for it. But there were plenty of people who cared enough to get organized.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Free-roaming cats (feral and stray) are the biggest source of homeless kittens every year. HSoP takes in nearly 250 kittens per summer, and 1/2 of those kittens come in without a mom. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) will prevent unwanted cat births, reduce the feline infectious diseases in our area, and lower the number of unowned, homeless pets in our county. The Humane Society of the Palouse does not accept feral cats into our shelter. TNR Application TNR Agreement Be a life-saver and donate to our TNR fund today! Donate HSoP has created a TNR program to assist the residents of Latah County with feral cats on their property. Our TNR program will provide feral caregivers in our community the ability to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and ear-tip their feral cats at participating veterinary clinics. This program is free to all Latah County residents, but a suggested $20.00 donation is appreciated. Our newly created TNR program is dedicated to our feral felines here in Latah County. Feral cats are wild and not domesticated, meaning they are not suited to be a house pet. Feral cats do not want to be around people, and are better fit for sheds, barns, and garages. For more information on feral cats click here. HSoP can loan out live-traps for you catch your feral cat(s) safely and humanely. We do require a $50.00 cash or check deposit that will be returned to you when the trap is brought back to us. TNR Process: Apply for the TNR program through HSoP. You must submit the TNR Application and the TNR Agreement to HSoP. Forms can be emailed to: director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org or mailed to HSoP: 2019 E. White Ave. Moscow, ID 83843. HSoP will review your application, and send you the coupon when you are approved. Once you receive your TNR coupon from us, call the participating veterinary clinic to schedule your surgery drop-off time. North Palouse Veterinary Clinic (208) 875-1096 Set your live-trap For tips and tricks on trapping, click here. Transport your feral cat(s) to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. Bring TNR coupon(s) along to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. HSoP will not reimburse for past procedures. Pick up your feral cat(s) from the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. Return your feral cat(s) back to your property and release them, following any recommendations the veterinarian gave you. Why should you return the cat(s) back to your property? If a feral cat showed up on your property and won't leave, it is there for a reason. It may have found good shelter in your barn, or a good source of food like rodents. If the feral cat feels like it has everything it needs, it will stay. If you remove that cat, another cat will move in for the same reasons the first cat did. By keeping your feral cat on your property after it has been through our TNR, you will have one cat who will protect your property and will be less likely to allow another cat to enter.

We can't wait to see you January 23rd, 2026, 5:30pm-8:00pm The Great Room of the 1912 Center Thank you to all who attended and made this event a grand success. We cannot express the gratitude we feel. Our incredible community helped us raise $20,227 for the homeless pets of Latah County! Take a look at the incredible photos captured from our first-ever fundraising gala. Thank you Safe Sax Photography! We can't wait to see you again next year! DSC_1416-Enhanced-NR DSC_1744-Enhanced-NR DSC_0902-Enhanced-NR DSC_1416-Enhanced-NR 1/40 Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Helping Paws Sponsors Auction Sponsors Dessert Auction Sponsors

Learn all about our barn buddy program for feral cats! Let these furry friends earn their keep by limiting the rodent population in your barn or warehouse. HSoP Barn Buddy Program Available Barn Cats: HSoP does not have any cats available for this program. If you would like to welcome a barn cat onto your property, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 so we know to contact you when a barn cat does become available. Click here for available Barn Buddies These cats are not at HSoP, but looking for their new barn home. Please contact the current owner listed in the ad for more information. Barn cats help to earn their keep by: Controlling the rodent population Reducing your need to use mouse trap/poisons Saving you money on feed grain spoilage/ loss Requirements: We do not place cats that are best suited to be house pets and we don’t place kittens under age four months as barn cats, unless they are feral/semi-feral. A secure, dry barn or building for shelter with heat source is required. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate a donation to cover the cost of the spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, de-worming and other needed preventative care. We ask for a $25.00 donation. The commitment and ability to keep the cats confined to a stall, small room, or crate for two to four weeks (depends on the cats and the barn) to acclimate them to their new environment before release. A constant supply of dry food and fresh water. The willingness to trap the cats to provide licensed veterinary care in the event of a severe injury or illness. Click here for an application HSoP does not take in Feral Cats. Click here for more information. How to care for your Barn Buddy Congratulations and thank you for participating in our Barn Buddy program. The following articles have great information on how to properly care for your new buddy. How to Raise a Barn Cat Right How to Keep Mice Out of Sheds and Barns How to Best Care for Barn Cats

Learn about microchipping services offered by our shelter. It is so important to microchip your pet, and we want everyone to be able to do just that! Microchipping Importance of pet identification: Each year, hundreds of lost or abandoned animals are sheltered by the Humane Society of the Palouse. Many of these companion animals are reunited with their loved ones. Some however, an owner is never found. Those who arrive without identification are less likely to be reunited with their owner. We recommend having a collar with up to date identification tags as well as a registered and up to date Microchip. Even though collars can come off, there is a good chance that they won’t. Having up to date and legible identification tags on your pet will help aid in getting your pet home faster. Avoiding the stress of a visit to our shelter is what is best for you pet. We do love making new furry friends, and we do our best to keep them as comfortable as possible during their stay, but at home with you is where they would much rather be. Using a collar with tags in addition to a microchip just further ensures their and your comfort in being reunited. Microchipping is your pets permanent form of identification. Every companion animal that arrives as a stray to any humane society or vet clinic is scanned for a microchip. Microchipping offers pet owners the security and peace of mind that comes from the only permanent pet identification technology. Microchips are a safe, secure and permanent way to reunite you and your pet. What is a Microchip? A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is a radio-frequency identification transponder made up of just a few components encased within a slender capsule of bioglass, which is used extensively for implants in both humans and animals. Microchips are the only form of identification that cannot fall off, be taken off, or become illegible and it lasts your pets entire lifetime. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. If your pet becomes lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip. **It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached. All animals microchipped by HSoP are registered with HomeAgain microchips. Sources: The importance of pet identification-Petfinder.com How Are Microchips Implanted?-Petfinder.com Pet Microchip FAQs-Petfinder.com 24PetWatch Pet Recovery Services

Some of our best recources with great information about pet care and safety! Learn new tips and pieces of advice. Pet Resources HSoP Resource Library HSoP Animal Intake Process - Stray animals - Stray animals found after hours - Owner surrenders - Dog bite quarantine holds Feral cat information Kitten season I found a tiny kitten. What do I do now? Pet enrichment information Summer safety tips for pets Winter safety tips for pets

Some important tips to keep your furry friends warm and comfortable during the colder months. Winter Pet Safety Fur Babies Need Special Care and Attention in Winter Months Written by Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet When the mercury starts to drop, it’s time to think of the best ways to keep your fur babies safe from inclimate weather. This is especially important for older animals, or those who are visually impaired. Even pets that live outdoors need a little extra TLC in the winter. Humane Society of the Palouse offers a wealth of information on best practices for animal care and husbandry. Shelter Needs It’s absolutely essential that animals have access to warm, dry shelter in the winter months. It’s preferable that they be housed indoors - but at minimum, outdoor shelters should be gated, heated, and well-insulated. Temperatures can drop unpredictably in the winter, and wind and rain can make cold weather even harsher. Consider installing a doggy door to a garage, basement, or mudroom for outdoor pets to retreat to when the weather is particularly bad. Older animals and those with compromised immune systems should not be left outside under any circumstances. Food, Water, And Feral Animals All animals should have regular access to clean, fresh water, but it’s even more important during colder months. Consider a heated water bowl for outside animals. Domestic animals also consume more calories when it’s colder, so you may need to increase your feedings to ensure they have a protective layer of warm winter insulation. If you feed strays or feral animals, Pet Helpful recommends a makeshift shelter that includes food and water and will help them brave the elements. If possible, trapping strays and taking them to a shelter may be the better bet for their health and well-being. Foot Care Many people use salt on sidewalks, roadways, and driveways as a way to melt ice and snow. While it’s an effective technique, salt can be a toxic irritant on both cats’ and dogs’ tender paw pads. According to Chewy, when your pet comes in from the outside, wipe their feet and apply bag balm or the less expensive Vaseline to keep their paws supple and hydrated. If you can get your pet to wear booties for walks and outdoor trips, all the better. Booties with treads can also be beneficial for older animals, particularly those who may have poor balance and be prone to slipping on icy surfaces. Safety Features It’s essential to keep pets from antifreeze in the winter month - it’s quite poisonous. It also goes without saying that dogs should be leashed when they’re outside. Microchipping and ID tags are also beneficial. An escape-proof harness may work better than a traditional neck collar, as it’s safer and also protects against trachea damage that can occur if a dog pulls and strains on walks. If your dog allows you to put on a harness, they’ll also be more amenable to wearing doggy clothing - a cold weather necessity for older dogs, smaller pups, and those with light coats. Bedding Pets appreciate soft, warm bedding , and in colder temps, it’s especially important. While you can invest quite a bit in high-end memory foam heated beds, you can also get by with a comfy pile of old pillows and blankets. Keep in mind, older animals with arthritis can benefit from an elevated orthopedic bed that cushions their bones and makes them more comfortable. If you notice your older pet seems to limp a bit after rising, consult your vet to see if they would benefit from a prescription medication or a less-expensive over-the-counter joint supplement. While your pet should have regular checkups with the vet, colder months can exacerbate underlying health issues, so careful attention and monitoring is necessary. Older animals, in particular, are prone to slips and falls, and could potentially wander away, especially when the days are short. Keep an eye on any changes that warrant a vet’s consultation - changes in diet, bathroom habits, whining, crying, or limping all need a closer look. Humane Society of the Palouse is dedicated to providing the animals in its facility with the highest level of care possible during their stays, providing beloved companion animals everything they need to live a healthy and happy life. To foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate, visit the site or reach out by calling (208) 883-1166. Photo By Pixabay Winter Pet Safety Reminders Know your dog’s limits! Some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young dogs get cold more quickly, so adjust the amount of time they stay outside! If your dog enjoys being outdoors and you will be outside longer than a few minutes, consider outfitting it with a sweater or coat to keep it warm. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to dogs in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it may be too cold for your dog! Check your car hood Cats often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping on your tire, it can be severely injured by moving engine parts. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car. This will wake up the cat and give it a chance to escape before starting the car. Wipe your pets paws During winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals – salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when you return from walks to prevent him from licking it off and becoming sick. Purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home for an extra level of safety. And when wiping off your dog’s paws, remember to check for signs of injury, such as cracked or bleeding paws. Always clean your pets paws from frozen snow and ice. Ice stuck to their paw hairs can be extremely uncomfortable. Always keep your pet contained More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snowfall can disguise recognizable scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped . Avoid walking or playing on ice When walking your dog, be sure to avoid frozen lakes and ponds. Ice can crack, and you and your dog could fall through. Leave them home Just as hot cars are dangerous for pets in the summer, cold cars pose a threat as well. Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended. Make sure you and your pet are always visible Due to Daylight Savings, many of us are relegated to walking our dogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog are safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close when walking on the street. Give your outdoor pets safe shelter If your pets live outdoors primarily, bring them indoors during sub-zero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal. When the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to the metal bowl. Avoid chemical spills Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because it is very sweet to taste, but it is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death when ingested. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze that spills in your garage, and keep the bottle somewhere your pets cannot access. Be prepared for emergencies Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Have an emergency plan and make sure they include your pets! Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!