11/05/2025
❄️ Winter Weather Notice: Ensuring Your Dog’s Safety & Comfort
From Ally’s Pet Sitting Service
Dear Pet Parents,
Winter in Vermont brings unique challenges, and our top priority is the health, safety, and comfort of your beloved dogs 🐶. This notice outlines our winter ❄️ weather protocols, guided by best practices and Vermont animal welfare regulations — including ensuring indoor temperatures do not fall below 65°F for dogs not acclimated to colder conditions.
⛄️ Outdoor Play Policy & Temperature Guidelines
We carefully adjust outdoor time based on real-time temperature, wind 🌬️ chill, and each dog’s individual needs.
🥶 Extreme Cold (below 10°F with wind chill): Outdoor time will be limited to brief, supervised potty breaks (5 minutes or less). This helps prevent frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur quickly in extreme conditions.
Moderate Cold: Dogs will enjoy more frequent but shorter outdoor sessions, with close monitoring for any signs of discomfort such as shivering or reluctance to be outside.
🏠 Indoor Focus: During severe weather, our heated indoor play areas become the primary space for activities. These spaces provide plenty of room, enrichment, and exercise opportunities to keep dogs happy and engaged.
Facility & Safety Measures
🐕 Pet-Safe De-Icer: We use only pet-safe ice melt products on all walkways and entrances.
💧 Fresh Water Access: Dogs always have access to fresh, unfrozen water—both indoors and outdoors via heated bowls—to prevent dehydration.
🚨 Emergency Preparedness: Our staff are trained to recognize and respond to cold-related illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia. We have emergency protocols in place, including access to veterinary care if needed. If the power goes out, we are equipped with a generator to provide heat and water only, which means our wifi goes down and we have no 📲 service.
How You Can Help:
Dress for the Weather: Short-haired, small, or senior dogs benefit from a warm coat or sweater during outdoor breaks.
🏥 Share Health Concerns: Please let us know if your dog has any medical conditions (such as arthritis) that may make them more sensitive to cold.
🆔 Keep IDs Current: Ensure your dog’s collar tags are up to date, or consider microchipping—especially important in snowy conditions where visibility can be low.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep every dog safe, warm, and happy this winter season. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Ally’s Pet Sitting Service
Family-Owned • Trusted • Compassionate Care