Zachary.Downes@ocfl.net – Health Services Department
Protect Your Pets During Record Cold Temperatures
WHAT: Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) encourages pet owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe as freezing temperatures are forecasted for Central Florida this weekend.
Cold weather can be dangerous for many dogs and cats, including pets that are elderly, very young, or medically compromised. To help ensure pets stay safe and healthy, OCAS recommends the following cold-weather tips:
- Limit outdoor exposure: Keep outdoor exposure to 10 minutes or less, enough for pets to relieve themselves, then go back inside.
- Bring pets inside: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Pets should not be left outside or in vehicles, as cars can hold in cold weather.
- Protect skin and paws: Keep your home humidified and towel dry pets as soon as they come inside. Repeated cold exposure can cause itchy, flaky skin for pets. Pay attention to their paws and between their toes.
OCAS is available for interviews today to provide additional information and answer questions about keeping pets safe during cold weather.
WHERE:
Orange County Animal Services
2769 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
When:
Friday, January 30, 2026
PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY:
Cats and dogs in their respective kennels, video of both the inside and outside of Orange County Animal Services, video of staff working to prep shelter for cold weather.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Bryant Almeida, OCAS Public Information Officer
- Dr. Carmen-Susan Glotfelty-Ortiz, OCAS Veterinarian
- Zachary Downes, Orange County Health Services Public Information Officer
MEDIA:
Please e-mail both Bryant Almeida and Zachary Downes for interview requests.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.