Bring Your Pets Inside This Winter

Cold Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Rabies Prevention

Leave Those Babies Alone!

New URL

Now you can go directly to the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter's website by going to the page http://www.PawsPeoria.com.  By typing in the new web address, you will automatically be sent the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter's front page.

Bring Your Pets Inside This Winter

The Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter warns pet owners that bitter weather such as we’re having right now endangers outdoor pets. PAWS encourages every pet owner to ensure that their pet has proper shelter if they live outdoors. Proper shelter includes a structure with four sides, a roof, a floor, and a door covering. The house should be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and just large enough for it to get in and lie comfortably. Provide a windbreak and wood or cedar shavings inside to make the animal more comfortable. Do not use blankets, rugs, or towels as they will retain moisture and freeze causing discomfort for the pet.

The best thing you can do for your outdoor pet is to bring it inside when the temperature dips below 10 degrees – even though the dog or cat might survive temperatures that low, they will be extremely uncomfortable.

City, County, and State laws require owners provide proper care for their animals. Please be aware that if your pet is left outdoors without proper shelter and protection from this weather, your animal may be impounded and you can be fined between $75 and $500 for the infraction. For more information, contact PAWS at 309-494-8911.
 

COLD WEATHER PET TIPS

The Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter reminds pet owners that animals, particularly those outdoors, need special care during the cold winter months.

• Outdoor dogs need proper shelter consisting of a structure with four sides, a roof, a floor, and a door covering. The house should be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and just large enough for it to get in and lie down comfortably.
• Provide a windbreak, and use wood shavings or straw as bedding. Don’t use blankets, rugs or towels because they retain moisture and will freeze causing more discomfort for the animal.
• When the temperature dips below ten degrees, bring your pet inside. Although dogs and cats might survive temperatures that low, they suffer from the bad weather.
• Pets need fresh water available at all times – snow doesn’t count! And, be sure to feed more food because the extra calories help to keep them warm.
• Be careful of the salt used to melt snow, it can irritate your pet’s feet.
• Always be alert to spills of antifreeze – it tastes sweet and attracts animals, but is almost always deadly.

If you see an animal outdoors suffering in the cold weather, please call PAWS immediately at 494-8911. City, County, and State laws require owners provide proper care for their animals. Pet owners will be ticketed or have their animals impounded if they fail to provide proper food, water, shelter, or medical care. For more information, contact PAWS at 309-494-8911.
 

You Can Prevent the Spread of Rabies

Rabies – it’s still with us. It’s still always fatal in humans. In the past, Illinois has had confirmed cases of rabies in domestic and wild animals. If you care for your pet, your family and yourself, you’ll keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date. Even in the cities and suburbs, your dog could meet a rabid skunk in your own backyard. Many a cat who “never goes outside” has encountered a bat in the house or attic. Pets in rural areas are particularly susceptible.

Rabies vaccinations are required by law for all dogs and cats four months of age or older in Peoria County. If your pet does not have a current rabies shot, contact your Peoria County veterinarian and schedule him/her for an appointment right away. Rabies tags are also required and can be obtained at any Peoria County veterinary office or at PAWS. Dogs and cats without current rabies inoculations and tags may be impounded and their owners cited. For more information, call the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter at (309) 494-8911. Protect your family, yourself, and your pet by having each dog and cat you own vaccinated against rabies and registered. Help prevent the spread of rabies!
 

Leave Those Babies Alone!

Did you know that most of the wild animals and birds thought to be abandoned or orphaned are not? Mothers nurse their young at dawn and dusk. It is normal for babies to be unattended for long periods of time. Mothers won’t return to young that are watched by you. Do not assume the young are abandoned or orphaned just because you don’t see the mother.

Did you know that an injured or sick wild animal will often behave as if it is tame? A person trying to handle a sick or injured animal can easily be bitten and would require rabies shots.

Did you know that possessing a wild animal is illegal in Illinois? It is against the law to raise wild animals and birds without a license even if your intent is to release them when they get bigger. Licensed professionals are available to handle those babies that are truly orphaned.

The Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter, Glen Oak Zoo, Forest Park Nature Center, and Wildlife Prairie State Park join together to encourage residents to leave those babies alone! If you’re worried about a wild animal or for more information, contact anyone of these organizations or call PAWS at (309) 494-8911.