The Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to provide extra protection from the cold. Executive Director Jeffrey Dorson says pet owners should bring dogs and cats indoors, while outdoor dogs should have fresh, dry straw in their shelters. Dorson also says insulated plastic bins can serve as makeshift shelters for outdoor cats. “Animals want to be part of your family. Who wants to be tied to a tree their whole life with a little plastic carrier next to them? So be mindful, be considerate, be compassionate. Bring your animals inside.”
One piece of advice Dorson offers for people who may be reluctant to bring their pet inside for whatever reason, is to at least move them into a garage or storage area, but to do so responsibly. “At least at a minimum make your garage or shed comfortable. A blanket, and stray, a safe space heater. Anything to get them out of the arctic cold about to come to our state.”
As Sean Richardson with the Louisiana Radio Network (LRN) reports, Dorson says To treat hypothermia bring pets indoors, wrap them in warm blankets, and dry wet fur. Advanced care may include warm intravenous (IV) fluids, heated pads, or warm oxygen therapy. “That fur coat doesn’t go a long way. Especially, if it gets damp or wet. You’re looking at a poor animal shivering in a wet coat. So, bring them inside. That’s the best policy.” Dorson reminds the public that Hypothermia is a serious risk for animals exposed to freezing temperatures, with symptoms including shivering, lethargy, pale gums, stiff muscles, shallow breathing, and a slow heart rate.
There are legal protections for pets. In Texas, for example, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, went into effect January 18, 2022. The law stipulates that a pet owner “may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to adequate shelter, a sturdy structure that provides the dog protection from inclement weather (including rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extreme low temperatures, or extreme high temperatures).”
Unlawful restraint of a dog is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by a $500 fine, unless the owner has a previous conviction in which case it is elevated to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to $180 days in jail and a $2000 fine. Louisiana law [RS 14:102.4(5)] also addresses animal cruelty by any person who intentionally, or with criminal negligence, fails to provide proper shelter. Fines start at $1,000 but can reach $25,000 for repeat offenders, with imprisonment or community service can also be imposed.
Every year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who died or had to be rescued after being left outdoors in cold weather – but PETA states, “[T]hese are just the incidents that were reported. Most Aren’t.” The list shows 21 rescues so far in 2025, with a total of 597 cases in 2024 nationwide.
In Tyler, The SPCA of East Texas donates doghouses and other pet supplies to under-resourced dog owners. And for more contact information for other parts of the state go to Texas Human Legislation Network.
