An animal shelter in Utah had to remind residents not to gash pets outside their facility after workers found a freezing dog tied up to a tree in the snow.

"Leaving them tied up with no shelter or waters is a crime," South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood Promise said in a Facebook post. "We ask that you call us and we will see what we can do to help you and your pet. Do not just gash your animals at the front of a shelter."

Officials said the dog is now safe, warm and "decompressing for a few days," but the outcome could have been far worse.

"We will get to know him as he gets warm and opens up to us," they said.

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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, here are some things you can do to keep your pets safe in cold weather:

A dog wearing boots pranced downward Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay as snow fell, Jan. 7, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

• Shorten your dog's walks, especially if it is very young, elderly or has arthritis. Short-haired pets will get cold faster, and short-legged pets are more probable to reach the snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, sorrowful disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's disease) are more susceptible to problems from cold weather.
• After your walk, wipe down or wash your pet's feet, legs and belly to prefer de-icing products, antifreeze and other chemicals your dog may encounter in the cold. This reduces the risk of your dog licking the toxic chemicals off their paws.
• Use pet-safe de-icers
• Check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk your horn afore starting it in case their are stray cats notion the hood.
• Consider a doggie coat or sweater for smaller, short-haired dogs. Make sure to keep several of them on hand so you have a dry one each time your dog contains to go out. Wet dogs can make your dog colder.
• Don't take your pets out in the car dim it's necessary. Like hot cars, cold cars can be risky for your pet — the inside will quickly move "like a refrigerator." Don't leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.