We felt this message was important enough to pass on, no matter where you live in Colorado.   Colorado pet owners need to protect their pets from extreme temperatures  this week. Author: Alexander Kirk Published: 12:41 PM MST February 1, 2022 DENVER — Snow will fall for more than 24 hours along the Front Range as two cold fronts hit Colorado. In addition to the snow, Arctic-cold temperatures will move into Colorado and will plummet below zero in Denver and across much of Colorado into Thursday morning. Denver Animal Protection issued a stern warning for residents to take the proper precautions to protect their pets from the elements. The best way to protect pets from extreme temperatures is to avoid long-term outdoor exposure.  Denver Animal Protection said if pets must be outside for longer durations, Denver city ordinance requires that pets have adequate outdoor shelter such as a doghouse, porch area or a similar structure that allows the animal to escape the elements. Further insulating the shelter or adding a “doggie door” to a garage or covered area adds another layer of protection from the cold. Failure to protect animals from the cold could be deadly for pets and, for owners, lead to a Cruelty to Animals or Animal Neglect charge, up to a $999 fine and/or a year in jail for the owner. Denver Animal Protect also reminds drivers to bang on their hoods before driving because stray cats often look for refuge in warm engines. The Denver Dumb Friends League offered the following tips for pet safety as it gets colder:   · Never leave a pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. · If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on your car hood or honk the horn before starting the engine. In their search to stay warm, outdoor cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.

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