ATHENS, Ga. -- University of Georgia officials have created a facility to house pets in hurricanes and other emergencies.

Many people refuse to evacuate their homes during emergencies because they don't want to leave their pets, putting themselves at risk.

Pete Golden, an emergency official at UGA, says the hope is that a new system developed will allow people to bring their pets to the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena while they stay a few miles away.

In an emergency, animals would be registered at the Livestock Center and undergo a medical-intake evaluation by the veterinary college. A triage area will also be set-up for animals in need of medical assistance or quarantine.

Summer in the south is officially here! With rising temperatures, it is important to take steps to protect those around us who might be vulnerable to the heat, like our children and pets.

Did you know that we lose heat by sweating? Water literally evaporates into the atmosphere and sucks the heat out of our bodies. Children produce even more heat than adults. This is because they have more body surface for their height. Children are also closer to the ground – and to hot pavement. They can easily become dehydrated or overheated.

Here are some tips to keep your children and pets safe in the heat.

ATLANTA - If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half-chewed shoe or an overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local Humane Society. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a companion for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.