Pet outreach, safety top of mind at KC Pet Project amid nose-diving temperatures

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As temperatures continue to nose-dive across the Kansas City metro, KC Pet Project is working to spread knowledge on pet safety -- and resources.

In hopes of keeping families together during times like these, KC Pet Project has been gearing up for these arctic temperatures, which are too cold for any animal to be outside for an extended period of time, according to Tori Fugate, chief communications officer with KC Pet Project.

Fugate asked that pet owners whose dogs live outside be brought inside. For those pets that are unable to be indoors, make sure they have an insulated dog house to retain warmth in.

Straw can be used as bedding inside, but Fugate said no hay. And if blankets or bedding are going inside the dog house, make sure they stay dry and be sure to cover the door.

Additionally, more food is better right now for retaining body heat in these elements, according to Fugate.

Animal service team members with the shelter have been braving the elements too, making sure animals in the community have proper food, water and shelter.

“You know a lot of people want to help," Fugate said. "They love their animals, but they don’t have the resources to be able to take care of them in these temperatures. In most cases, they really do love their animal and they want the best for them.”

Anyone who needs resources for their animal, or knows of someone who does, can call KC Pet Project.

“It’s really incredible," Fugate said. "You’ll see a lot of people that kind of have a make-shift dog house or they try to bring the animal up on the porch – they’re doing the best they can, they just don’t know where to go to get the resources. They don’t know really what they need… and so our officers are able to come in and say, 'Hey, what if we are able to give you this dog house.'"

And the more resources the agency has – the more animals they can help. An Amazon wishlist is available for those who want to help purchase needed items for community outreach.

The shelter is collecting items such as wire crates, heated water bowls, thermal blankets and food.

Fugate also said that while cats are resourceful and often able to find the resources they need - it’s still too cold for them, too.

For anyone wanting to help with felines - in addition to the shelter's wishlist - KC Pet Project has information for how to make feral cat houses; all that's needed is a styrofoam cooler, trash bag and some straw.