Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) will be closed on Friday, January 23 due to the extreme cold. This includes adoptions, public surgeries, vaccine clinics, and behavior classes. Locations will remain open for stray intake and owner surrenders, and staff and volunteers will be onsite to provide animal care.
In such extreme temperatures, WHS advises pet owners not to travel with a pet unless it is an emergency.
This severe weather is also causing many of our furry friends to not want to use the bathroom outside. So, if your dog is on a bathroom boycott in this weather, here are a few tips to help manage the cold snap!
- Create a winter-friendly potty area | Lay down some straw (not hay), shovel a patch of grass, or otherwise designate a spot close to the door to reduce exposure to snow and wind.
- Prime them prior | Right before going outside, give them a good play session indoors to help stimulate their digestive system and get things moving so they can get down to business quickly once they reach the yard
- Bundle them up | A well-fitted coat can make a big difference, especially for small, short-haired, senior, or thin dogs. For paws, try booties or look into pet-safe salves and homemade recipes for protectant balms
- Keep potty trips short and purposeful | Take them out on leash to their usual potty spot, use a consistent cue, and reward immediately so they can head back inside quickly.
- Use positive reinforcement, not punishment | Do not punish your pet for an accident, especially in these conditions. Praise and treats for outdoor success helps reinforce the habit, and a little grace during these unique circumstances is important
- Consider temporary indoor options | Puppy pads, turf trays, or a litter-style setup can be a helpful short-term solution during extreme cold, especially for older dogs or those with medical needs.
About the Wisconsin Humane Society
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 65,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit, receives no general government funding and there is no national umbrella group in animal welfare. WHS operates shelters in Door, Brown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, and Kenosha, Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers stray animal holding, adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, pet food pantries, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.
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