Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center Offers Winter Storm Safety Tips for Pets and Wildlife
With a potentially historic winter storm on the horizon, the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center – TWRC is sharing essential tips to help protect pets and local wildlife from the impending extreme cold. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning, forecasting freezing temperatures, snow, and ice across southeast Texas, starting Monday night and continuing through Tuesday. These conditions could create significant hazards for both domesticated animals and wildlife.
National Weather Service Forecast
The NWS Houston/Galveston office provided an update on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM, warning of severe winter weather conditions that may lead to widespread disruptions.
Key highlights of the forecast include:
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Winter Storm Warning: Effective from 6:00 PM Monday to 6:00 PM Tuesday.
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Snowfall Predictions:
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Northern areas: 2 to 4 inches
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Central and eastern areas: 3 to 5 inches
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Southern areas: 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
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Ice Accumulation: Up to one-tenth of an inch in southern/coastal areas.
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Extreme Cold: Minimum temperatures below freezing are expected through Thursday morning, with a hard freeze predicted Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The NWS cautioned that driving conditions could become dangerous or impossible and urged residents to prepare for multiple days of freezing weather.
(Source: NWS - Houston/Galveston)Tips for Protecting Pets
The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center emphasized the importance of safeguarding pets during freezing conditions. “Extreme temperatures can be life-threatening for pets,” the organization stated. They provided the following recommendations:
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Beware of Car Hazards: Never leave pets unattended in vehicles, clean up antifreeze spills promptly, and tap the hood of your car before starting to avoid harming stray cats or wildlife seeking warmth.
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Keep Pets Indoors: Pets should not be left outside in freezing weather. Designate a safe, warm space inside your home for them.
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Use Sweaters: Short-haired dogs can benefit from sweaters or jackets to help retain body heat.
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Keep Them Dry: Dry your pet’s paws and fur after walks in rain or snow to prevent cold-related issues.
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Provide Indoor Potty Solutions: Place potty pads indoors for pets who struggle to go outside in harsh weather.
Helping Strays and Wildlife
Wildlife and stray animals face significant challenges during freezing weather. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center shared these tips to assist:
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Shelter for Strays: Leave hay or straw outside to create a safe, insulated shelter for stray animals.
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Provide Water: Set out shallow dishes of warm water with rocks for wildlife to drink safely. Prevent freezing by using a low-heat heating pad or placing a floating object in the dish.
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Skip the Fire Pits: Avoid using fire pits or bonfires, as they can pose injury risks to wildlife.
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Experts at the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center also highlighted specific challenges faced by opossums, which are vulnerable to frostbite, particularly on their tails, ears, and toes. “Opossums are vital to our ecosystem as they help control pests like fleas and ticks,” they explained.
To support opossums and other wildlife:
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Create Cozy Spaces: Provide piles of leaves or natural bedding materials for nesting.
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Free Frozen Animals Safely: If you find an animal frozen to the ground, pour warm (not hot) water around it to free it. Do not offer food or water. Instead, place the animal in a secure container with a dry cloth and contact 713-468-8972 for assistance.
Preparing for the Storm
As southeast Texas braces for extreme weather, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect animals and themselves. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center urged the community to remain vigilant and compassionate toward animals during the freeze. “A little effort can make a big difference in helping pets and wildlife survive these harsh conditions,” the organization stated.
For more updates and resources, visit the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center’s official website or follow them on social media. Stay tuned for the latest information on the winter storm.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
