And just as people battle the bitter cold weather, it's important to remember that your pets also need some help braving the elements.

One common belief is that since dogs and cats have fur, they stay much warmer in winter, but unfortunately that's not true. Minot Animal Control Officer, Richard Schnell says if you're cold, they're cold too...

(Richard Schnell, Animal Control Officer) "In general, the people in this community are very conscientious, but you do have some. A lot of it is just, "I put my dog outside, I thought it was ten minutes." And it turns out to be twenty minutes. You get busy doing something, you'll forget about it, or lose track of how long the dog has actually been outside. And it's not just dogs, cats too."


With such frigid temperatures, it doesn't take long for your pet's water to freeze, so Schnell says it's important to change it frequently...

(Richard Schnell, Animal Control Officer) "My recommendation is to give them fresh water as often as possible and certainly provide straw or some type of warmth for the animal inside of its kennel. But city ordinance requires food, water, and either a commercially manufactured shelter, or one that's built properly."

Schnell also says they're more concerned with extreme heat and cold, but if proper pet care isn't given, you could receive a fine of up to $500. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list