St. Louis

St. Peters Officials Offer Winter Pet Safety Tips as Animal Control Stands Ready to Provide Shelters and Bedding

AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 20, 2026
St. Peters Officials Offer Winter Pet Safety Tips as Animal Control Stands Ready to Provide Shelters and BeddingSource: Unsplash/ Krzysztof Płocha

As temperatures drop to potentially dangerous levels, St. Peters officials are stepping up with advice to pet owners: keep your companions warm and safe. Facing the cold snap, St. Peters Animal Control recommends pet owners take extra caution, urging the community to avoid leaving their pets outside for prolonged periods.

In particular, pet owners are advised to "check paws and skin regularly after pets have been outside," paying "close attention to the pads and between the toes," as per the guidelines published on the City of St. Peters website. They warn that salt used to de-ice paths can harm animals, causing "excessive dryness, cracking, or even burns" if not cleaned from their paws after walks.

For dogs that usually live outside, the importance of a proper shelter cannot be overstated. Such shelters should be equipped with non-wet, insulated bedding—straw being a recommended material. Animal Control is offering a helping hand for those in need of shelter or bedding, requesting those in need to reach out to them at 636-278-2255 or via email at [email protected].

Additionally, diligent checking of water bowls is essential during colder weather as it is at risk of freezing. Alternative solutions, such as purchasing electric heating bowls from local pet or farm stores, could ensure pets always have access to liquid water. These reminders may seem like common-sense measures, but they are life-saving ones during the winter months.

To stay ahead of the game for any winter weather-related news, St. Peters residents have two timely options. First, download the StPetersMO app and select to "receive News Flashes for the City News – General category." Alternatively, anyone interested can subscribe to receive email alerts for News Flash: City News – General. Users will be immediately notified of any updates regarding meeting cancellations, closures, or road conditions by the City of St. Peters' communications channels.

In case of winter weather-related issues, St. Peters community members should contact the St. Peters Snow Line at 636-477-6600, ext. 1738. If callers reach a voicemail, they are encouraged to leave a detailed message. According to the city's announcement, this line will be monitored regularly to address the community's concerns promptly.