Who to call if you see a Cleveland pet left out in bitter cold
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Artic air surging into Northeast Ohio with snow, bitter cold, and high winds is creating dangerous conditions for not only people, but for pets too.
Cleveland Animal Care and Control warns owners not to leave your dogs (or other pets) outside in these treacherous time.
“With these frigid temperatures and strong winds, please take an extra moment before letting your dogs out for potty breaks,” CACC stated. “Check all fences, gates, and latches to make sure everything is secure — high winds can easily blow gates open or damage fencing."
HOW YOU CAN HELP
What do you do when you see a dog left outside or in distress?
CACC said this: “if you see something, say something.”
Call CACC at 216-664-3069.
“Let’s all work together to keep our pets safe during this harsh weather,” CACC said.

Goddard’s Law, which was passed nearly a decade ago in 2016, makes knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal a fifth-degree felony.
Those convicted of this crime will have the offense on their record for a lifetime.
Dogs seized or found as strays by Cleveland Animal Care and Control are taken to their kennel, known as the home of City Dogs.
City Dogs Cleveland is CACC’s adoption and volunteer program, which is always in need of support.
Here are ways you can help Cleveland’s four-legged community members:
CLAIM YOUR DOG
City Dogs Cleveland wants to get lost dogs back to their owners.
Click here to see all of the lost/found dogs in the kennel.
The Cleveland kennel is located at 9203 Detroit Avenue and can be reached at 216-664-3069.
“If you don’t reach someone live right away, PLEASE leave a voicemail as these are checked regularly,” City Dogs insisted. “If you know anyone who is missing a pet, please have them check the kennel ASAP!”
ADOPT
If you would like to adopt one (or more!) click here to see the precious pups just waiting to be part of your family.
For those who can’t make the adoption event or want to avoid a potential wait, click here to set up a meet and greet with the dog who is pulling on your heartstrings from the photos.
The adoption fee includes:
- microchip
- county license
- basic vaccinations
- spay/neuter surgery
- and of course, a lifetime of love!
FOSTER
Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can click here to learn about fostering a dog.
“It will save a life, but isn’t a lifelong commitment,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.
VOLUNTEER
If you only have room in your heart and your schedule, become a volunteer!
The City of Cleveland said volunteers can help with:
- dog walking
- events
- fostering
- transport
- social media and networking
- photography
- training
- and more!
Email citydogs@city.cleveland.oh.us or call 216-664-3069 for more information about future volunteer opportunities.
DONATE
For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, the kennel is always in need of monetary and item donations, like the dogs’ favorite chew dogs.
“Providing the dogs with in-kennel enrichment is so important when our facility is so full,” City Dogs Cleveland stated.
You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your donations!
Just purchase these items from the City Dogs wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.
Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Amazon wish list.
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