The Lodi Animal Shelter, like most other shelters, sees an increase of stray animals running loose and coming into the shelter at this time of the year.

High winds, rain, thunder and lightning cause animals to become terrified. These scared animals will then try to escape their yards. In this type of weather, fence boards become loose or get blown down. This is a good reason to check your fence and gates to make sure they are secure.

Keeping your pets inside the house or garage will also keep them safe. If your pet is being kept outdoors in the cold weather, be sure to provide a warm, dry, protected place.

Our companion pets are important to us, so let's make sure they stay safe and warm in inclement weather.

The following tips will help protect your companion animal when the mercury dips and in the holiday season:

• Cats and kittens like to nap in warm places — and this can include car engines. Knock on the hood of your car or truck or honk the horn, then wait a few minutes before starting the engine. If in doubt, open the hood and look.
• There is always the temptation to share all those holidays "goodies" with your pet. Candy, chocolate, turkey with the fixings and fish bones are just a few of the hazards for your dog or cat during the holidays.
• Many plants are poisonous or toxic to our pets, including poinsettias, holly and mistletoe. Make sure to keep them out of your pet's reach.
• There is also a risk to your pet with holiday paraphernalia, such as electrical cords, tinsel, glass ornaments, candles, ribbons, plastic or foil wrapping.

Make sure your animal wears a collar with a license tag and rabies tag — this is a ticket home for your pet when lost. Also, having your animal microchipped and registered with the current owner information is another way to get your animal back.

If you are ever missing your pet make sure you check with the Lodi Animal Shelter. The shelter takes in animals daily and also keeps a list of animals found by citizens who are caring for the lost pets in their home.

The Lodi Animal Shelter is where you purchase pet licenses. All dogs and cats four months or older that live within the city limits of Lodi must be licensed. By purchasing the license, you're in compliance with the city ordinance.

To purchase a license, a dog must have a current rabies vaccination (not required with cats). If your animal is spayed or neutered, you must provide proof of surgery.

Lodi Animal Shelter is located at 1345 W. Kettleman Lane in Lodi. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed on Sundays and the last Friday of each month. For more information, call 209-333-6741.

Have a safe holiday season!

Jennifer Bender, Lodi Animal Services supervisor, hopes these tips will keep your pet healthy, happy and safe during the holidays.