Metro-east shelter urges residents to bring pets indoors, asks for foster homes
An East St. Louis shelter is urging metro-east residents to bring their pets inside ahead of dangerous temperatures expected later in the week.
Foster homes are also needed as Gateway Pet Guardians staff report the shelter has been at or over capacity all year, officials wrote in a Dec. 20 statement.
“Every single call will be urgent knowing that stray or lost dogs will not survive outdoors with the below zero temperatures we are expecting,” intake and diversion manager Sara Cordevant said in the statement. “The challenge is that we literally have zero open dog kennels currently.”
Those who are interested in fostering a dog through Gateway Pet Guardians can apply online. Foster homes are provided with behavioral and training resources, dog food and supplies, pet sitters for trips and medical care for the animal.
“The only way we will be able to answer the calls to help animals stuck out in the dangerous cold is if people open their homes and foster a dog. We are desperate. Without new foster homes, we simply cannot pick up stray dogs. We don’t have anywhere for them to go,” director of operations Jill Henke said in the statement.
Shelter staff will go door-to-door in the East St. Louis area to remind residents to bring pets inside and offer resources as the region prepares for cold winter weather.
“Many of our neighbors live in poverty and the reality is that many people may not have heat in their homes and are scrambling to ensure their personal safety when the temperatures dip this low. And we want to be there to provide that reminder to them to think about their pets and offer resources to ensure the safety of their pets as well,” Henke continued.
Tips to protect your pet in cold weather
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends taking steps to protect your pet from the cold, including drying them with a towel when coming inside and keeping your home humidified. The ASPCA also recommends keeping pets indoors during cold spells.
Here are some more ways you can protect your pet from freezing temperatures:
- Don’t shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Longer fur will provide more warmth. For long-haired dogs, trim them to minimize clinging salt crystals. Short-haired dogs may benefit from a coat or sweater with a high neck.
- If you take a long winter walk, bring a towel to clean off your dog’s paws. After you get home, wash and dry your pet’s paws and stomach and check for cracks in paw pads and redness between the toes.
- Bathe your pet as little as possible during extremely cold weather, as washing too frequently can remove oils and lead to dry skin. If your dog needs a bath, consider asking your vet for recommendations on moisturizing products.
- Putting booties on your dog can help protect them from salt and irritation, as can massaging petroleum jelly into the paw pads before walks.
- Feed your pet a little more in the winter to make up for extra calories burned trying to stay warm, and make sure to provide plenty of water.
- Antifreeze is lethal to dogs and cats, so thoroughly clean up any spills that may occur in your vehicle.
- Give your pet a warm place to sleep away from drafts.
Find help caring for your pet
Gateway Pet Guardians provides free dry dog food to local residents who qualify based on income. The shelter also provides qualified applicants with free spay or neuter surgery, discounted flea/tick and heartworm preventatives, discounted grooming services and more.
To inquire about assistance accessing dog food and other necessities for your pet, call 618-687-8007, ext. 5. You must live in zip code 62201, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206 or 62207 and meet income requirements to qualify.
Residents of East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park, Sauget or surrounding communities can also call 618-687-8007, ext. 5 and leave a message to request any supplies needed to bring their pet inside.
Donations to Gateway Pet Guardians can be made online or mailed to or dropped off at 725 N. 15th St., East St. Louis, IL 62205.
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 12:53 PM.
