For those with outside pets, extremely cold, wet weather can be dangerous. Here are some important things to remember as the temperature plummets. 

• If possible, keep all pets indoors. If not in the house, at least in the garage.
• If your pet absolutely must stay outside, make sure the shelter is clean, dry, and well insulated with straw, wood shavings, or a blanket. Be sure to change the bedding daily to prevent moisture, and position the opening away from the wind and any rain.

Some tips from the ASPCA for keeping your pet safe during very cold weather.  Read them as some may surprise you!

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
    
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
    
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.