01/23/2026
📣What Texas law says about protecting your pets in extreme weather:
Under Texas law, it’s illegal to leave pets outside in extreme weather without adequate shelter, food, and water.
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act requires that dogs left outdoors have proper shelter that protects them from rain, hail, snow, high winds, and extreme cold or heat and access to drinkable water. Leaving an animal outdoors without meeting these basic needs can be considered animal cruelty under Texas Penal Code and may carry penalties.