'If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets': Ontario SPCA

A provincial animal rights body is calling on pet owners to take extra precautions this winter after receiving a high volume of calls related to four legged friends being left in the cold.

This week, Environment Canada issued a slew of extreme cold warnings across the nation, including in London, Strathroy and Middlesex County. People were advised over an increased chance of suffering frostbite or hypothermia. 

• London and area under an extreme cold warning, says weather agency

Tracy Lapping, an inspector with Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said the cold snap can also take its toll on animals.

"If it's too cold for you to sit out there, it's too cold for them to sit out there," said Lapping. Temperatures in London are hovering anywhere between -16 C and -21 C, with a windchill of about -30 C.

• Extreme cold weather grips much of Canada

Lapping reported a high volume of calls related to pet safety concerns this season. She said people may be unaware of how the cold could affect animals.

"Our first approach is education because some people may not think about the temperature."

Although different pets can handle different weather conditions, here are a few tips to me mindful of:

How cold is too cold?

Lapping said the appropriate temperature in which a pet can sustain in is determined through a case-by-case basis.

"I think once animals start to display symptoms of cold distress so shivering or paw tapping, that's when we know it's too long," she advised.

"I would say when you're looking at those sub-zero temperatures you need to be supervising your animal and not leaving them unsupervised when they're outside in the cold."

What if I have an outdoor pet?

Several breeds of animals with thicker coats can sustain outdoor temperatures, so long as adequate shelter and care is provided, said Lapping.

"While the SPCA recommends keeping your dog or pet inside during these temperatures, outdoor dogs and pets must be provided with adequate shelter and constant supply of fresh water because they need to stay hydrated to handle the cold," she said.

"The shelter needs to be insulated, it needs to be elevated and it needs to be of a design that's weather proofed."

What are conditions to avoid?

"We don't want pets left outside. We [also] don't want to leave animals unattended in vehicles during the cold weather because cars hold in the cold," said Lapping.

Can someone be charged?

If a breach is found following an inspection related to pet safety and winter weather, a pet owner could be charged with the following:

• Inadequate protection from the elements including harmful temperatures
• Permitting distress
• Causing distress
• Failing to provide adequate care of general welfare

If found guilty, a pet owner could face one or more of the following:

• A fine of about $60,000 or less
• Jail time for two years or less
• Potential (lifetime) ban of ownership

Who can I contact?

The public can call the Ontario SPCA at 310-SPCA (7722) for any pet safety related concerns.