01/23/2026
We are expecting dangerously low temperatures this weekend. 🥶
PLEASE BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE‼️
Even if your pet normally lives outside full time, PLEASE consider bringing them inside your home when temperatures are this low. Put them in a bathroom, laundry room, or anywhere you can INSIDE of a heated structure. Temps this low can quickly turn deadly for pets that are left outside for an extended period of time. This is especially true for dogs with short hair and lean bodies (Pit Bulls).
If you or someone you know has a pet that will be left outside for any period of time, PLEASE make sure they have adequate shelter.
IGLOO dog houses are the best option for cold weather. The extended entrance on the Igloo helps to shield pets from wind and rain while they are inside the Igloo.
Dog houses need to be insulted and have a thick layer of straw inside. Straw is the best option for bedding because it wicks away moisture. Do NOT use blankets, towels or dog beds since they retain moisture and will freeze once the temperature drops below 32*.
Elevating the dog house off of the cold ground can help, too. Bricks/Blocks can be used to elevate the dog house off the ground.
In addition to keeping your own pets safe and warm, please be sure to keep an eye out for your neighbors’ pets and stray animals. If you see an animal chained in a yard or being left outside alone in the cold for an extended period time, PLEASE REPORT IT! If you see something, say something! It could be a matter of life or death for that animal.
To report an animal in danger, call your local animal control/animal shelter. If it’s after regular business hours, call your local police department.
Contact information for the Memphis/Shelby County area is listed below:
City of Memphis
- Memphis Animal Services: (901) 636-1416
- Memphis Police Department, Non-Emergency: (901) 545-2677
Shelby County
- Shelby County Rabies Control: (901) 222-9715
- Shelby County Sheriff’s Department: (901) 379-7625
Germantown
- Germantown Animal Shelter: (901) 757-7358
- Germantown Police Department, Non-Emergency: (901) 754-7222
Bartlett
- Bartlett Animal Control: (901) 385-6484
- Bartlett Police Department, Non-Emergency: (901) 385-5555
Collierville
- Collierville Animal Services: (901) 457-2670
- Collierville Police Department, Non-Emergency: (901) 853-3207