Northampton shelter open to animals

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Smith Vocational High School in Northampton wasn't open for school, but it was open as a shelter for people throughout Hampshire County. .

About 140 people stayed over at Smith Vocational High School Sunday night.

In total they've served about 170 people, giving them a warm place and a hot meal. But they're not just helping people, they're also helping animals.

They've sheltered over 25 pets; everything from dogs, cats, birds, and even snakes.

Larry Holmberg, the director of the animal shelter, told us some pets can die if they're left in cold homes.

“When you think about dogs and cats, think about reptiles, there's a lot of reptiles and exotics that are cold blooded. On the colder nights, he reptiles go into hibernation and can die,” said Larry Holmberg of the Hampshire Animal Emergency response team.

So you if you or your pet needs a warm place to stay, the Smith Vocational High School will be open for anyone that needs it.

Also, we did find out that all Northampton Public Schools will not have school tomorrow.