EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — With heat indices expected to reach triple-digits in the coming days, Gateway Pet Guardians is working to keep pets around the area safe, but they need some help.
Gateway Pet Guardians, an animal rescue focused on the Metro East, is in emergency mode to keep pets safe. Their biggest need is foster homes.
"We have 22 dogs on our waiting list, the majority living outside, and their owners or the people who found them desperately want us to take them, but our shelter is completely full and they are being turned away from other local shelters," Jill Henke, Program Director for Gateway Pet Guardians, said in a press release.
They also want to make sure pet owners know the heat can be fatal for pets left outside even if the pets have proper shelter shade and water. The best way to ensure your pet will be safe is to bring them into the air conditioning.
If you are a resident that lives in East St. Louis, Cahokia, Alorton, Centreville, Washington Park, Sauget or Fairmont City and need supplies in order to bring your pets indoors, you can call Gateway Pet Guardians at 314-399-9738 and leave a message with your contact information.
Members of the group will also work overtime this week to knock on doors and let people know how dangerous the heat can be.
To find more information about donating, volunteering or fostering, visit the Gateway Pet Guardians website.