Lehigh Valley animal rescue reminds community that ongoing freezing temperatures and extreme weather can pose serious risk for dogs and cats

BREINIGSVILLE, Pa. (Jan. 30, 2026) – With dangerously cold temperatures affecting the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, The Sanctuary at Haafsville is reminding pet owners that extreme winter weather can pose serious risks to dogs and cats. The nonprofit animal rescue, based in Lehigh County, is urging the community to take simple, but important precautions to help keep pets safe during freezing conditions.

“Pets rely on us to keep them safe, especially when temperatures drop,” said Sanctuary at Haafsville Board of Directors President Tanya Smargiassi. “What may feel like a short amount of time outdoors can quickly become dangerous for animals in extreme cold.”

The Sanctuary recommends the following cold weather safety tips for pet owners:

• Bring pets indoors: Dogs and cats should be kept indoors during extreme cold, especially overnight. If it’s too cold for people to be outside comfortably, it’s too cold for pets as well.
• Limit outdoor time and watch for warning signs: Outdoor exposure should be brief during freezing temperatures. Pet owners should watch for signs of hypothermia, including shivering, lethargy, anxiety, whining or cold ears and paws.
• Protect paws from ice, salt and chemicals: Ice melt, road salt and antifreeze can irritate paws and are toxic if ingested. After walks, pet owners should wipe their pets’ paws and bellies with a damp cloth and consider using pet-safe ice melt products.
• Never leave pets in cold vehicles: Cars can act like refrigerators in winter weather. Leaving pets in a parked vehicle — even for a short time — can be life-threatening in freezing conditions.
• Check outdoor vehicles before starting: Cats and small animals often seek warmth near engines, wheel wells or under vehicles. Tapping the hood and checking around cars before starting can help prevent serious injuries.

The Sanctuary also reminds residents to check on neighbors who may have outdoor animals and to take action if an animal appears to be in distress due to the cold. Suspected cases of animals being left outdoors in dangerous winter conditions can be reported to the Pennsylvania SPCA at 1-866-601-7722.

“These small steps can make a big difference,” Smargiassi added. “Extreme cold is just as dangerous for pets as extreme heat, and awareness can help save lives.”

For more information about The Sanctuary at Haafsville, or to learn how to support its mission, visit thesanctuarypa.org.

The Sanctuary at Haafsville’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for animals in need. It empowers animals to heal, thrive and find loving, forever homes through a volunteer community in which each member is valued, supported and appreciated. Through dedicated care, innovative programs and community engagement, The Sanctuary strives to be a prominent advocate for animal welfare and promote responsible pet ownership. Visit thesanctuarypa.org or connect on social media via Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for volunteer opportunities, donation information, upcoming events and guidance on adopting a pet.