ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.—The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is offering free boarding through their Pet Safe program for outdoor pets living in St. Joseph County, excluding City of South Bend.

If an owner has dogs, cats, or rabbits living primarily outdoors and cannot bring them inside, they can request to use the Pet Safe program to board their pets in the shelter free of charge.

The program begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 29 and owners must pick up their pet on Saturday, February 2 by 11 a.m.

Local ordinances require owners to bring their pets inside or given proper shelter that protects them from extreme weather. Owners may be fined between $250 and $2,500 if their pets are found outside for prolonged periods of time during life threatening weather.

Owners must call (574) 255-726 to schedule a PetSafe appointment as space is limited for the program.

The Human Society Shelter hours are modified for the week and will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. unless a travel warning is in place, then the shelter office will be closed.

The Adoption Center will be closed Tuesday-Friday.

Animal Control Officers will be on duty to respond to animal control emergencies and can be reached at (574) 255-4726 ext. 0 during business hours and (574) 255-4729 ext. 8 after 5:30 p.m.