It’s bitterly cold in St. Louis, and more than 200,000 homes are without power after a recent ice storm. The governor has declared a state of emergency, the National Guard has been called in to help, and utility crews are here from across the country.

What about our pets? The Humane Society of Missouri has opened an Emergency Heating Center in St. Louis for pets whose owners are without power and do not have safe and warm lodging for their pets.

Five months ago, the Humane Society of Missouri opened a Cooling Center for pets. Temperatures soared to more than 100 degrees F and over 500,000 homes, many with pets, were without power.

These emergency shelters allow residents to take care of themselves as well. Many residents stated they would not go to a shelter unless their pets were taken care of.

If you need to take your pet to an emergency shelter:

• You may need proof of vaccinations. If you cannot locate these records, don’t give up. Ask the emergency shelter if your vet can fax the records or confirm vaccination over the phone. 
• Your pet should have a collar with current identification.
• Ask the shelter if they would like you to bring your pet’s crate. They may be very short on kennel space. 

What can you do to help?

• Encourage your area shelters to open similar emergency shelters if the need arises. Propose the idea now, before a crisis arises.
• Volunteer to assist shelter workers. They will need help to clean runs and walk dogs.
• Help get the word out to people and dogs in need.
• Are you in a dog club? Why not set up a program to take care of members’ pets if an emergency occurs? Those who are unaffected could house pets for members who are in need. 

Here are some cold weather pet tips from the Humane Society of Missouri.