With temperatures plunging into the teens below zero this morning and wind chills even colder, Iowa is an inhospitable place right now for people and their animals.

KC Routos, development director at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, says some pet owners take dogs or cats along on errands and leave them in a running vehicle — but that can quickly turn tragic.

“If you leave your car running and something happens where it shuts off, or they step on the window and it rolls down — any number of accidents can happen,” Routos says. “It’s always best to leave your pet at home when temperatures are this extreme.”

Routos says regular walks should also wait until the weather warms up. While exercise is important, these conditions are harsh on pets.

“We’d recommend not taking dogs out for walks

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