NOTE: We’ve received another shipment of straw! This shipment was delivered on December 5th and is ready to be picked-up. We will post another update if this delivery runs out.
If you need straw for your animals in a greater quantity than what is available through the Straw Drop program, please contact local feed stores, such as Best Feeds, which has bedding straw for sale.
In preparation for plummeting temperatures, Animal Friends is once again offering free bags of straw to anyone who cares for outdoor pets or feral cats.
We urge pet owners to make their pets part of the family and keep them inside their homes. Dogs, cats and domestic rabbits are social animals, and just like humans, they suffer without interaction and companionship. We offer many programs, including behavior training and low cost spay/neuter services, that may help overcome issues that sometimes prompt a pet owner’s decision to house a pet outside.
However, recognizing the reality that many pets do live outside, Animal Friends urges those pet owners to keep their pets safe (as well as obey the law!) by ensuring that outdoor pets have access to proper food, drinkable water and warm, dry shelters.
Because blankets, towels and pillows will get wet and freeze, straw is the best insulation against the cold and wet winter. You can pick up free bags of straw at Animal Friends during our normal operating hours (11am – 7pm Monday through Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
Please take extra care to keep your pets safe this winter. A car mat or rug should be used as a flap over a doghouse door to keep the inside free of wind, snow and rain. If you are in need of a dog house, please contact Animal Friends to inquire about availability.
Extra care should also be taken to provide unfrozen water in not-metallic bowls and extra food at all times during cold weather.
In addition, you should frequently check your pet’s paws, ears and tail for signs of frostbite–a very common occurrence. If you suspect frostbite, your pet will need to see a veterinarian immediately. Also be mindful of salt and other snow-melting chemicals that can injure their paw pads.
For more information, call 412.847.7000.Animal Friends is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills, just 0.5 miles west of Exit 8 off I-279.