Paterson Animal Control is reminding pet owners: Just because your pets have fur, doesn’t mean that they are protected against the cold.

Temperatures around the state were expected to drop to the low single digits Wednesday night.

Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando says that animals can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes if they are left outside in the cold.

"Bring your dog inside. If anyone needs to call us at Paterson Animal Control to refer them to the police department or the prosecutor’s office, we'll be more than happy to help you out. No dog, no animal, should be out in this weather,” DeCando says.

State law prohibits tethering animals outside in extreme temperatures. Pets must be brought inside or have access to warm shelter if temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

Animal control officers are on standby to rescue animals left outside. Violators could face fines or up to six months in jail.