NOTICE: A City of Corpus Christi Ordinance requires the pet owners provide necessary shelter and protection from the weather. As such, ACS will take appropriate action for dogs found in an exigent circumstance where their wellbeing is in jeopardy. To report animal neglect, please call 361-826-2489 or 361-886-2600.
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Animal Care Officers will take a three step approach to ensuring the safety of animals. Officers will:
- Talk to pet owners to ask them to bring pets inside.
- Seize animals if they are unable to contact the pet owner or if the pet owners do not comply.
- Issue criminal citations to pet owners if they do not comply.
Cold weather is on its way and it’s predicted to be the coldest Corpus Christi has had. Please prepared to care for your pets to ensure they stay safe and comfortable.
ACS recommends that with the expected cold weather that animals be taken inside where they can keep warm and safe from the elements.
If you do have your dog outdoors please protect them with a draft-free covered shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. Please make sure they have blankets and/or towels to keep them warm.
Keep in mind if your pets spend more time outdoors they will need more food in the cold weather because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls instead of metal ones.
Windchill can threaten a pet's life. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for hypothermia. Bundle up your pets with a sweater if you plan on taking them outside for any length of time.
ACS will have Officers responding to calls of animals without shelter and we will be educating those owners about the cold and care of their animals. We will first attempt to have the one on one educational talk with the owners about the importance of bringing their dog inside.
If needed ACS take appropriate action up to seizing dogs found in a exigent circumstance where their wellbeing is in jeopardy. It may be upwards of 200 dollars to reclaim dogs seized.
Owners who leave their dogs outside during this weather can face criminal citations.
