Keep Pets Inside During Cold Weather, Brick Police Urge

BRICK, NJ — If you have a pet, Brick Township police are urging you to shelter them indoors during this cold, wet weather.

"Make sure they have a warm, dry place with plenty of food and water," police said in a reminder posted to Facebook.

Here are some more tips and reminders:

• Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.
• Animals may seek warmth under hoods of cars. If there are outdoor animals (domestic or wild) in your neighborhood, bang loudly or check under the car hood before starting the engine.
• Provide pets with a warm resting place indoors away from drafts. Pet beds outfitted with a warm blanket or pillow will be much appreciated by your animal companions.
• Consider outfitting short-haired and older dogs with a coat or sweater for better protection.
• Pets found suffering from the effects of cold weather should be taken immediately to a veterinarian.

If you are concerned about an animal left outside in the severe cold, contact your Brick Township's animal control officer, A-Academy Animal Control, at 1-800-624-1709.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

The author's beagle playing in the snow. Photo by Karen Wall