THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER RELEASE
Just like each of us, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on a variety of factors; fur length, body condition, age, etc. It is crucial to be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold. Shorten outside time, keep your eye on your pets’ paws for bleeding or cracking, sudden lifting of the legs or not wanting to walk due to paws being cold/snowy/icy.
Outdoor animals should be provided a safe shelter with four sides, a roof, a floor, straw, and should be allowed access to the indoor in extreme cold, especially below freezing. Cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just like people. Owners should also be sure they are providing fresh water regularly to avoid frozen water that their pets are unable to drink.
Officers have been and will continue to be patrolling for outdoor animals with inappropriate shelter and animals in distress. The community can request welfare checks for animals by calling the shelter at 217-431-2660 prompt 1, Monday through Friday between 830a-430p. After hours emergencies should be called into 911 for an officer to be dispatched. Community members can also make non urgent reports online at https://www.vercounty.org/animal-shelter/animal-related-activity-or-complaint/ These reports are monitored during business hours.
For Veterans, we are able to adopt animals at no charge with specific guidelines in place. Veterans must complete the application process to become approved for adoption, must provide proof of veteran status by providing accepted forms of ID and can only adopt one dog or cat each in a 2-year period. For the full state law, please refer to 225 ILCS 605/3.3) Sec. 3.3. Adoption of dogs and cats.
