Wet weather, windy conditions and cold temperatures create an unsafe situation for your four-legged family members. When frightened, pets have a tendency to get disoriented.

The Santa Clara Police Department advises residents to take precautions to keep your companion safe and secure.

• Place an identification tag on your pet, whether they stay indoors or outdoors. Be sure the contact information on the identification tag is accurate.
• Reach out to your veterinarian to be sure your pet’s microchip contact information on file is up to date.
• Check fencing and gate latches on your property. Lock all gates during stormy conditions.
• Take your pet out on a leash during a storm to help you maintain control of the animal should they get scared or if your fence/gate has been damaged.
• Use a reflective leash, collar or clothing on your pet when exercising.
• Pets should be kept inside when temperatures drop. It’s a common belief that animals are resistant to cold weather because of their fur, but that is untrue. Like people, animals are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, particularly on their ears, nose and paws. Puppies, senior pets, small and short-haired animals are particularly sensitive to cold conditions.
• Do not leave pets unattended while traveling. Recruit a pet sitter at your home or theirs, coordinate a stay with your veterinarian or make a reservation at a kennel/animal spa. If none of those options work, consider traveling with your pet.
• If your pet must be kept outside:
   - Be sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free and raised shelter
   - Routinely check your pet's water dish to be sure it is fresh and not frozen
   - Use plastic food and water bowls so your pet's tongue doesn't stick to a metal dish
   - Provide a pet bed, blanket and/or sweater for your animal

If your pet becomes lost or you have found a pet, contact the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) at (408)764-0344. 

SVACA offers recommendations on how to recover a lost animaland provides support to locate the owner of a found animal. In addition, during non-business hours, stray, healthy animals can be dropped-off in the night receiving kennels located at 3370 Thomas Road in Santa Clara.