News from Twin County Humane Society
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TCHS named Virginia Humane Society of the Year!
🚨🚨🚨 Cold Weather Alert for Pet Owners! 🚨🚨🚨
As everyone knows by now, we're headed for some weather❄🌨🥶 We want to remind folks that it's their responsibility to keep pets safe. It's not just a good idea, it's the law🚓
👉 If at all possible, bring animals indoors.
If they cannot come inside, please ensure they have:
• A dry, draft-free shelter
• Plenty of bedding (STRAW is best, blankets can freeze)
• Fresh, unfrozen food and water
📣 See something concerning? Say something.
You may quite literally be saving a life.
Carroll County: (276) 730-3011
Grayson County: (276) 773-3241
City of Galax: (276) 236-8101
🐶 Did You Know? – Virginia Law Protects Pets in Extreme Weather
Under Virginia law, pets cannot be left outside for extended periods when:
🌡️ Temperatures are consistently below 32°F or above 85°F
⚠️ There is an active weather warning, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
This includes:
🚫 Chaining or tethering dogs outdoors for too long
🚫 Leaving pets without safe shelter during dangerous weather
⛺ What Counts as Adequate Shelter?
• A structure that protects from wind, snow, ice, and rain
• Proper insulation, straw or bedding to help retain heat
• Room for the animal to stand, sit, and lie down comfortably
Blankets alone are not enough, they absorb moisture and freeze!
🥣 Food & Water
• Pets may need extra calories to stay warm. Ask your vet
• Check water often, ice freezes fast
⛓️ Tether Rules
If an animal is tethered:
• The tether must be 15+ feet, or
• Four times the length of the animal (whichever is greater)
🚨 Penalties & Reporting
Violations may result in:
• Criminal charges
• Fines or arrest
• Up to one year in jail
“If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.” (Yes, even many “cold-weather” breeds can struggle without proper shelter.)
📜 Code of Virginia 3.2-6500: law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter65/section3.2-6500/
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PARVO OUTBREAK WARNING: If you have a new puppy or a litter of puppies, please be aware that there has been an uptick of Parvo cases in our area. It’s highly contagious, very expensive to treat and does not have a good survival rate. It is an awful way to die. The good news is that Parvo is easily prevented with a vaccine. Please vaccinate your puppies before it is too late. Please share.
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UPDATE: Gus is home!!🥰
Please be on the lookout for Gus. Last seen on Elk Creek/Powder Mill Rd. Reward offered.
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