Kansas City Pet Alert Ahead Of Impending Snowstorm

Right now we feature apt advice from animal lovers ahead of an upcoming arctic blast.

Here's the word . . .

Extreme Weather This Week Will Put Pets in Harm’s Way 

Cold temps, snow and ice can create hazardous - even deadly - conditions for pets. PRCKC staff will be working with other animal groups to help pets facing potentially deadly weather   

Kansas City, MO: Weather extremes in Kansas City over the next few days can be deadly for pets left outside, especially for those without shelter.

“In weather like this, our concern will be for pets left outside without protection,” explained PRCKC veterinarian, Marta Andelson. “But the dangers won’t just stop with the issues caused by ice and snow. It will also be dangerously cold, and in extreme temperatures, we have to worry about frostbite and hypothermia, maybe even death. All of those can happen more quickly than you think.”  

Sometimes the issue is education. Often, pet owners believe their pets can handle it because they have fur. Other’s lack resources or know where to get the right items that can help protect pets from harsh weather.

To help, PRCKC team members will be working with partners to make sure they have enough supplies for owners in need. The PRCKC team plans on being out on the streets as much as possible looking for animals suffering in the cold and talking to pet owners about how to protect their dogs and cats from extremes.

“This is something we deal with every year,” says PRCKC director of community engagement, Kristin Roth. “Extreme weather like what we will have this week puts pets in danger. That’s why we’re out there. We have resources for helping out and we want people to know it. Yes, pets should be inside but legally people are only required to provide food, water and shelter. So if being indoors is not possible, then they at least should have something to protect them from the elements. And we’re working with our partners to make sure to get as much of those supplies into the hands of people who need them. It really can be the difference between life and death.”

Roth adds that everyone should be looking for pets who need help. “It takes all of us,” she says. “If you see something, say something. Call 311 and get animal control involved if you live in KCMO. Or reach out to the animal control office in your town. Call us, too. It could save a life.”

Pet owners who need resources or those who see animals living outdoors without protection are urged to call PRCKC for resources at 816-353-0940 or reach us by email at outreach@prckc.org.

About PRCKC

Pet Resource Center of Kansas City is a nonprofit started in 2002 as Spay and Neuter Kansas City. In the 20 years since its founding, the organization has helped over 400,000 pets and currently serves more than 35,000 per year with spay/neuter, vaccines, pet food, supplies, education, emergency medical care and dog/puppy training.

###

Developing . . .