Regular midday walks will be cancelled in each locality that closes its' government offices. Our pet care professionals will reach pet sitting clients as soon as it is safe to do so. When you are traveling, we do ask that you provide us with the telephone number of a neighbor that can check on your pets in the event of any type of disaster. Please remember to make sure that your Pet Care Professional can safely access your home. Steps and walkways should be clear of ice and snow. If you are traveling in the winter, please arrange to have a neighbor clear a path in the event of snow or ice.

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine to give a cat a chance to escape.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs lose their sense of scent in snow and ice and easily become lost. They may panic in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when she comes in out of the rain, snow or ice. Check her sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if she ingests them while licking her paws.

If you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that covers your dog from the base of her tail on top and to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.

If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure she is completely dry before you take her out for a walk.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

Information from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (http://www.aspca.org).