A local animal shelter is advising people to keep their pets in a safe and warm environment during the freezing temperatures.

RAYNE, La. (KLFY) -- A local animal shelter is advising people to keep their pets in a safe and warm environment during the freezing temperatures.

Animal rescue volunteer Kelli Stonicher weighs in on how you should take care of your pets during the cold weather.

"Bring your pet inside, whether that's a laundry room, bathroom, especially in the night hours or nay time the temperature is going to drop below that 32 degrees", says Stonicher.

Animals are now vulnerable as the cold air continues to plunge across Acadiana. According to various animal shelters in the area, Iberia Parish reported 10 animals being left out during the freeze, with Lafayette Parish at 2, and St. Martin, St. Landry, Acadia, Vermilion and Jeff Davis with none. Stonicher says if pets are left outside in the cold for a long period of time, they can experience hypothermia, and even worse death.

"If they're left out in the cold too long, yes, they can just like us experience hypothermia if they are exposed to that too long they experience loss of limbs and unfortunately even death," said Stonicher.

Stonicher says using straw is the best way to keep your pets safe from the cold air.

"They do need warm dry bedding if its raining blankets can get wet and actually become a cold source," Stonicher.

Stonicher says just like people, dogs are not meant to be outside in freezing temperatures.

"People often feel that animals are built to be outside, however just like us they're not acclimated to be in 20-degree weather," Stonicher explained.

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