MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Amid a widespread National Grid gas service outage in Newport County, the Potter League is offering help to families with pets.

Gov. Gina Raimondo declared a State of Emergency in Newport County Monday night after a low-pressure gas situation in Newport and Middletown left more than 7,000 customers without gas.

“It’s much safer for the animals to be here than to be in a home where in these temperatures it could be extremely cold and dangerous for those animals,” Executive Director of Potter League for Animals Brad Shear said.

The Potter League is urging people to not leave their pets home alone while heat services are disrupted. Instead, they encourage residents to bring their pets to the shelter.

“Don’t leave your pets at home, that’s why we’re here,” Kara Montalbano of the Potter League said. “They’re just as easily affected by hypothermia and all of that kind of stuff.”

Anyone bringing their pet to the shelter is asked to bring any medications the pet may need, their preferred food and their vaccination record.

The Potter League said the shelter will be staffed 24/7 and will serve as an emergency shelter until gas service is fixed.

The Potter League said before 10 p.m. Monday, they took in in five cats, two dogs and one bird. Another cat was dropped off after 10 p.m.