As GA gets colder, stray animals are at risk. Here are ways to best help them without adopting

Georgia is estimated to have around 500,000 stray cats and dogs that are not in shelters or homes and roam loose. Although local advocacy groups and organizations work hard to provide care, these animals and the people who care about their welfare, face special challenges.

If you worry about the animals you see without homes or if you have a few that you try to care for, there are ways to care for them without committing to adopting every one.

Here’s a winter care guide for outdoor animals to aid Georgia animal lovers when it’s not practical or possible to bring them inside with you.

Warm dry shelter is essential

If you care for outdoor cats, community dogs, or working animals who must stay outside, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine advises that sturdy, dry, insulated shelters are essential.

Tips for creating shelter:

• Use a sturdy cardboard box, storage bin, foam cooler or wooden crate
• Insulate it with straw, not hay or blankets
• Elevate it on a raised platform
• Make it waterproof with one, small entry hole
• Face the shelter away from wind and cover the entrance with plastic or burlap

Ensure access to food and water

Veterinarians warn that animals need more calories in winter to maintain body heat, and ensuring a constant supply of food and water is crucial.

• Check water bowls and buckets frequently for ice
• Replace water with fresh, lukewarm water or use a heated bowl
• Be strategic in resource placement. Put it in a dry, low traffic areas

Other ways to help

Short-coated breeds, hairless pets, seniors, and very young animals are particularly at risk, says Treehugger website, so these populations need the most care.

To help where you can:

• Tap the hood and check before starting your engine in the morning. Small animals can crawl in seeking warmth. 
• Avoid salting sidewalks and driveways. These can be toxic to animals.
• Check your vehicles for leaks so animals don’t consume poisonous materials
• Look into your local Tap-Neuter-Return program
• Contact the human society in your area if you see feral or stray animals gathered

Georgia law governing outdoor pets

Georgia law and local ordinances require that pets kept outdoors receive adequate food, water, and shelter from the elements, including shade from heat and proper protection from cold.

Penalties apply for neglect, but a little compassion can go a long way. Find a network of other animal lovers to share advice and supplies, or others who are willing to check in on outdoor animals if it becomes overwhelming.

Act quickly for the sake of the animal

• Contact your local animal services
• Provide temporary shelter
• Connect with rescue groups via social media
• Wait until help arrives

Do you take care of any outdoor animals? What are some of your best practices? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.