INDIANAPOLIS — As temperatures drop, our furry friends don't often have the luxury of stepping into the heat unless we usher them into it.

In Indianapolis, a city ordinance says pet owners are required to provide a few basic necessities to our four-legged companions in severe cold.

Dogs, specifically, must have access to shelter when it is colder than 20 degrees outside – and it must contain clean, dry bedding.

Animal advocates say while a blanket or towel may seem best, they can retain moisture and make it colder for animals.

Make sure to opt for straw over hay when choosing bedding, because hay decomposes more quickly than straw, and retains misery-inducing moisture for cold pets.

Dogs should also not be tied up or chained outside between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Fines run up to $200 for

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