This Kentucky animal shelter will provide crates to owners bringing their pets inside this winter

CLARK COUNTY, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — As the days grow shorter and winter approaches , pet owners across the Commonwealth are encouraged to keep pets inside to keep them warm.

On Saturday, the Clark County Animal Shelter (CCAS) posted a list of steps pet owners can take to ensure a cozy, warm winter for families and their animals.

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Chained, caged, and confined animals are most susceptible to cold temperatures, per animal shelter staff.

If you are keeping a pet outside during the winter season, the animal shelter wrote a list on Facebook to keep them safe from cold temperatures .

Key pointers for families keeping pets outside are to make sure they have a sturdy four-walled enclosure with straw bedding and insulation, and even if a pet is inside a non-heated area like a garage or barn, they still need access to shelter such as a doghouse to keep their body heat contained, per Clark County Animal Shelter officials.

The CCAS staff also wrote on Facebook that the shelter will provide a crate to pet owners who will bring their furry friends inside for the winter. Assistance with straw for enclosures is also available.

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"Calling us for assistance means that we provide help with preparing your pets for the weather," animal shelter staff said. "If we receive a complaint from someone else and find your pets without the needed resources you may be criminally charged with animal neglect. Take action and take care of your pets."

To request assistance from CCAS, call the animal shelter at (859) 737-0053.