Keep your pets safe during Coastal Virginia winters

Learn how to protect your pets from Virginia’s unique winter challenges, including local laws, coastal weather risks, and emergency resources.

Virginia’s diverse climate presents unique challenges for pet owners during the winter months. While our coastal regions may experience milder temperatures, inland areas can face severe cold snaps that put our pets at risk. Here’s what Virginia pet owners need to know to keep their animals safe this winter season.

Understanding Virginia’s winter pet laws

Virginia state law and local ordinances require pet owners to provide adequate protection from the elements. In Chesapeake specifically, pet owners must ensure their animals have appropriate shelter when outdoors. The law also restricts tethering to no more than one consecutive hour, and someone must remain on the property during this time.

Cold weather considerations for Virginia pets

Our region’s humidity can make cold temperatures feel even more severe for our pets. While northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes may thrive in cold weather, short-haired breeds common in Virginia such as Pit Bulls and Beagles need extra protection. Elderly pets and those with health conditions are also particularly vulnerable to winter weather.

Regional winter hazards

Coastal Virginia presents unique winter challenges:

• Salt and chemical de-icers used on roads and sidewalks can irritate paw pads
• Frozen puddles near the coast may contain harmful saltwater
• Strong coastal winds can dramatically increase the wind chill factor
• Rapid temperature changes common in our region can confuse pets’ natural adaptation

Indoor safety measures

The safest place for pets during extreme cold weather is indoors. Keep cats inside and ensure dogs have limited outdoor exposure, especially during severe weather conditions. Provide warm, draft-free sleeping areas elevated from cold floors.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Tuttle/ Unsplash.

When to contact Animal Services

If you observe an animal in distress during cold weather in Chesapeake, contact Animal Control through the non-emergency police line at 757-382-6161. Animal control officers are trained to evaluate situations considering:

• Current weather conditions
• The animal’s breed and coat type
• Signs of distress or health issues, shivering, lethargy or whining
• Adequacy of available shelter

Community resources

Virginia’s animal welfare organizations offer various resources for pet owners facing challenges during winter months:

• Emergency pet shelter during severe weather events
• Assistance with outdoor shelter construction
• Pet food banks for families needing extra winter supplies
• Low-cost veterinary care for cold weather-related issues

Remember, Virginia’s winter weather can be unpredictable. The best approach is to bring pets indoors during extreme conditions and ensure they have warm, dry shelter when outdoors is necessary. For more information about local pet regulations and resources, visit the Chesapeake Animal Services website or contact your local veterinarian.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Dogwood staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.