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Companion Animals Are Dying in Cold Weather—These Are the Reported Cases

Last updated on February 24, 2026:

The number of dogs and other companion animals who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather during the 2025-2026 winter season:

89

Another 1,010 animal companions have had to be rescued.

Every year, PETA receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who died or had to be rescued after being left outdoors in cold weather—and these are just the incidents that were reported. Most aren’t.

YearDeathsRescuesIncidents
202640451See the list.
202547562See the list.
202436617See the list.
202313644See the list.
202235364See the list.
202122475See the list.
2020677See the list.
201937322See the list.
20184334See the list.
How to Keep Your Animal Companion Safe in Cold Weather

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related deaths of companion animals reported by the media during 2026:

DateLocationNotesNumber of Dogs and Other Animals Who Died
2/20/2026Bloomington, New YorkA dog fell through ice on a frozen creek and was dragged under by the current. The dog could not be rescued, and the body has not been recovered.1
2/18/2026Toronto, OntarioA dog fell through the ice on a river and was swept away. Despite search efforts, the dog was not located.1
2/9/2026Windber, PennsylvaniaThree dogs, a pitbull and two labradoodles, were rescued after police received reports they were tied outside in temperatures below 10-degrees without access to food, water or shelter. There also were seven puppies found inside the house; five were dead from not receiving milk from their mother, who was tied outside.5
2/6/2026Atlantic City, New JerseyA man abandoned two dogs in the cold. One dog was rescued after being found running in the streets, injured from a dog attack. The second dog was found dead, having died from the below-freezing temperatures.1
2/6/2026Columbus, OhioThree kittens were rescued after being found abandoned in the freezing cold in a state park. Two were found at the base of a tree, with the third clinging to a branch 25 feet up. They have respiratory infections but are expected to recover. Two other kittens were found frozen to death nearby.2
2/6/2026Raleigh County, West VirginiaTwo dogs were found abandoned and tied to a street sign in freezing temperatures. One dog froze to death before help arrived.1
2/4/2026Cary, North CarolinaA dog died after falling through ice on a retention pond. Firefighters retrieved the dog from the water, but it was too late.1
2/3/2026Greenville, North CarolinaA puppy was found dead in a crate on the side of the road when temperatures were just 10-degrees outside. The puppy was 5-months old and had died from exposure to the cold.1
2/1/2026Page County, VirginiaFour dogs were rescued after being found outdoors without adequate shelter in freezing temperatures. One dog died, believed to have died from malnutrition and exposure to the cold.1
2/1/2026Lebanon, TennesseeA dog froze to death in an outdoor kennel. Police responded to reports of the dead dog and found four other dogs in the backyard with no food, water, or heat. The surviving dogs were rescued by animal control.1
1/29/2026Kansas City, MissouriA dog froze to death after being left out in the cold. The dog’s body was then left at a location away from their property.  1
1/29/2026Vernon, ConnecticutThree cats were living with their guardian in a van without heating. One survived and was treated by a vet, but two of the cats died from hypothermia.2
1/28/2026Park Forest, IllinoisAfter a heating failure in an apartment building, an American Bulldog, who was a service dog, was found frozen to death by their guardian.1
1/28/2026Bronx, New YorkA dog named Roxy was found tied to a tree in freezing temperatures. She was brought in to a rescue where she was receiving care before she died.1
1/27/2026Logansport, IndianaA cat was found outside a house in a pile of snow. He was brought to a vet and was euthanized to relieve his suffering from hypothermia, kidney failure, dehydration, and starvation.1
1/26/2026Lewisville, TexasA woman became stuck in icy water while attempting to rescue a submerged dog. The woman was rescued by firefighters, but the dog died. They were unable to recover the dog’s body.1
1/25/2026Midlothian, TexasA cat was discovered under a tree. The woman who found her brought her indoors to warm up, and brought her in for emergency veterinary care, where she was euthanized.1
1/25/2026Lenoir County, North CarolinaA mother cat, her four kittens, and a dog were abandoned outside of an animal shelter in the rain and freezing temperatures. Two of the kittens died.2
1/25/2026Houston, TexasAs temperatures were below freezing, three dogs were rescued after being found chained outside and suffering from cold exposure. A fourth dog was found dead.1
1/22/2026North Little Rock, ArkansasA dog froze to death after being locked in a crate and abandoned on the side of the road in 20-degree weather.1
1/21/2026Tobyanna Township, PennsylvaniaFour puppies were found abandoned outside in the Poconos, and were found outside an apartment complex. 1 died from the cold, and others suffered from frostbite.1
1/21/2026East Massapequa, New YorkSix cats have been rescued from the cold after being abandoned outside a mall over the span of three days. The cats were all severely malnourished, and one was found frozen to death.1
1/19/2026Erie, PennsylvaniaA six-month-old husky, now named Amy, was found locked in a crate under a bridge in 8-degree temperatures. She was unresponsive, emaciated, and covered in urine and feces. Amy was brought in for care, but died.1
1/19/2026Franklin County, IllinoisA dog was found dead outdoors during dangerously cold temperatures. The dog was wearing a collar, suggesting they had a family.1
1/15/2026Shreveport, LouisianaA mother cat and her kittens were abandoned in the freezing cold on the porch of an animal rescue, with no shelter. The mother and 2 babies survived. 3 kittens died.3
1/13/2026Menands, New YorkA four-pound terrier mix was abandoned outside of an animal shelter. The dog was left in a box out in the cold, where temperatures were dropping as low as 26 degrees. The dog died from hypothermia.1
1/9/2026Willimantic, ConnecticutA dog was found dead on the ice of a river next to a cardboard box. It is unknown if the dog died before or after getting on the ice.1
1/4/2026Manchester, ConnecticutTwo pitbulls were found frozen to death in the woods near a Stop and Shop. They were believed to have been abandoned elsewhere and travelled together before freezing to death.2
1/3/2026Somerset, MichiganTwo dogs, along with their guardian, were found dead after falling through the ice on a lake. They were reported missing earlier in the day when they did not return from their routine walk.2

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related rescues of companion animals reported by the media during 2026:

DateLocationNotesNumber of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued
2/21/2026Hadley, MassachusettsA dog fell through the ice on a river. The dog was rescued by firefighters while police provided drone support, ensuring a safe return to shore.1
2/19/2026Middletown, OhioA stray dog named Sausage was rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in the icy water of a small pond. Firefighters rescued Sausage and are working to find her a permanent home.1
2/17/2026Duncan Falls, OhioA German Shepherd mix named Kita fell through a hole in the ice. Seven firefighters and two divers rescued her.1
2/17/2026Alberta, CanadaA cat named Lily was found frozen. She was rushed to a vet where they found she was dehydrated and malnourished, as well as suffering injuries from the cold. She was taken to recover at a local rescue.1
2/15/2026Windsor, ConnecticutA cat, now named Lucky Clover, was found cold, unresponsive, starved, and suffering from a respiratory infection in a snowbank. Lucky Clover was brought into a local shelter to recover.1
2/14/2026Eastham, MassachusettsA dog was found running loose, wet and distressed after falling through ice. The dog’s guardians, a husband and wife, both fell through as well – the woman was found dead, and the man is still missing.1
2/12/2026Bronx, New YorkA young dog named Penelope was found tied to a pole in the freezing cold. She was rescued by a good Samaritan who found her, but was brought to a local rescue and had to be hospitalized for suspected toxin exposure.1
2/12/2026Keene, New YorkA dog was rescued near the summit of Mount Marcy after their guardian slipped and froze to death. The rescue took over six hours with temperatures ranging from -8 to 20 degrees. The dog did not have any serious injuries.  1
2/12/2026Ithaca, New YorkThree cats were rescued and brought to a local shelter after being abandoned at the end of a driveway in snowy conditions and negative temperatures.3
2/10/2026Maynard, MassachusettsA dog named Rufus was rescued after breaking through a hole on thin ice. Two firefighters pulled Rufus out of the water, and he was reunited with his family without any serious injury.1
2/9/2026Windber, PennsylvaniaThree dogs, a pitbull and two labradoodles, were rescued after police received reports they were tied outside in temperatures below 10-degrees without access to food, water or shelter. There also were seven puppies found inside the house; five were dead from not receiving milk from their mother, who was tied outside.5
2/9/2026Long Island, New YorkA 3-to-4-month old kitten was found crying after being outside for at least a day in temperatures going as low as -15-degrees. A rescuer gained the kittens trust by offering him food, and was able to bring him to safety.1
2/9/2026Detroit, MichiganAfter two weeks of visiting a woman’s yard looking for food, a dog was rescued by a local shelter. The dog, now named Benito, had frostbite on a paw and some wounds but is now safe.1
2/9/2026Henderson County, KentuckyA labrador was rescued by firefighters from freezing cold waters after falling through thin ice.1
2/9/2026Montezuma, ColoradoAfter extensive search efforts, an 11-year-old dog named Rocky was rescued after being missing in the mountains for 43 days. Rocky survived subzero temperatures and went from weighing 50 pounds to 26 pounds. He is now reunited with his guardian.1
2/8/2026Manorville Borough, PennsylvniaA dog was rescued from a frozen river. Police were able to safely coax the dog off the ice and reunited them with their family.1
2/7/2026Buchanan, MichiganA dog fell through ice while running across a frozen river. Firefighters safely rescued the dog and reunited them with their family.1
2/7/2026Ontario County, New YorkA dog was rescued after being left outside overnight in extremely cold temperatures. The dog’s ears were frostbitten, but they are expected to make a full recovery.1
2/7/2026Waterford, ConnecticutA dog was abandoned after being pushed out of a car on the side of the road in extremely cold temperatures with subzero wind chills. The dog was rescued and taken to a shelter where she was warmed up and is receiving care.1
2/6/2026New York, New YorkA cat was rescued after being found freezing in a park with their paws stuck to a sheet of ice. The cat, now named Parker, was taken to a local rescue.1
2/6/2026Atlantic City, New JerseyA man abandoned two dogs in the cold. One dog was rescued after being found running in the streets, injured from a dog attack. The second dog was found dead, having died from the below-freezing temperatures.1
2/6/2026Columbus, OhioThree kittens were rescued after being found abandoned in the freezing cold in a state park. Two were found at the base of a tree, with the third clinging to a branch 25 feet up. They have respiratory infections but are expected to recover. Two other kittens were found frozen to death nearby.3
2/6/2026Chesapeake, VirginiaA dog was rescued after falling through the ice of a pond. An 18-year-old rushed out with a kayak, safely retrieving the dog from the water and wrapping the dog in his coat. The dog was safely reunited with their family.1
2/6/2026Raleigh County, West VirginiaTwo dogs were found abandoned and tied to a street sign in freezing temperatures. One dog froze to death before help arrived.1
2/5/2026Menands, New YorkTwo cats were rescued and brought in to a humane society after being found outside in extreme cold. Both lost parts of their earsdue to frostbite.2
2/4/2026Havelock, North CarolinaA dog was found abandoned outside of an old shopping center in a crate while temperatures were around 36-degrees. The dog was rescued by animal control and received care.1
2/3/2026Ocean Pines, MarylandA dog was rescued after becoming stuck on a frozen river, approximately 300 yards from shore. Firefighters kayaked out and safely returned the dog to shore, where they were transported to a veterinary hospital for evaluation.1
2/3/2026Evansville, IndianaTwo dogs were found abandoned in a cage in 25-degree weather. The dogs were left with no food, and only a frozen bowl of water. The dogs were safely taken in by animal control.2
2/2/2026Pierce Township, OhioA dog was rescued by emergency crews after falling in a partially frozen pond. The dog was warmed up on scene and was uninjured.1
2/2/2026Huntsville, ArkansasA dog had fallen through the ice and became trapped in the center of a pond. Firefighters dispatched a water rescue team, who saved the dog.1
2/1/2026Milford, MichiganA dog was found on a random porch in subzero temperatures with no tag or microchip. He was rescued by police and brought back to the station. After a failed search to find his family, the dog, now named Lil’ Craig, was adopted by the MPD.1
2/1/2026Orlando, FloridaThree dogs were rescued by police after being left outside while temperatures were in the mid-20s.3
2/1/2026Page County, VirginiaFour dogs were rescued after being found outdoors without adequate shelter in freezing temperatures. One dog died, believed to have died from malnutrition and exposure to the cold.4
2/1/2026Summit County, ColoradoA cat was missing after a car crash in blizzard conditions. They were rescued after a six-day search and was covered in snowballs.1
2/1/2026Pembroke Pines, FloridaThree dogs, a 2-year-old French Bulldog two Pit Bull Mix puppies, were rescued after being left on a balcony in 40-degree weather, where the “feels like temp was 23 degrees. The dogs were malnourished and anemic but are now safe with foster families.3
2/1/2026Asheville, North CarolinaA dog was rescued from being left chained in the cold when he was surrendered to a neighbor.1
2/1/2026Salem, OhioA cat was rescued during a snowstorm, exhibiting signs of hypothermia. The cat was taken in by a local humane society and is recovering.1
2/1/2026Lebanon, TennesseeA dog froze to death in an outdoor kennel. Police responded to reports of the dead dog and found four other dogs in the backyard with no food, water, or heat. The surviving dogs were rescued by animal control.  4
1/31/2026Wilson County, North CarolinaA lost dog, who had missing for two months, was rescued after a woman saw a Ring doorbell video of someone abandoning the dog on a porch. She brought the dog home to be cared for, but refused to bring the dog in to animal control because of their poor condition. She reunited the dog with their guardian.1
1/31/2026Charles Town, West VirginiaTwo young cats were found abandoned the day before a snowstorm. They were taken in by a local rescue.2
1/30/2026Essex, MarylandA cat, now named Oak, was rescued after being stuck at the top of a 100-foot tree for more than 24 hours in snow, sleet, and rain. Firefighters and a tree service made a joint effort to retrieve Oak, which required them the cut the tree branch and catch Oak as he jumped. He suffered two broken legs, and some frostbite but is now recovering safely.1
1/30/2026Robertson County, TennesseeA dog fell nearly 150 feet down a bluff during icy conditions, getting stuck on a small tree which stopped him/her from falling into the river below. After nearly five hours, while temperatures were around 10-degrees with 20 mph winds, the dog was safely rescued and reunited with their family.1
1/30/2026Dekalb County, Tennessee42 dogs and puppies were found in freezing conditions during a storm, with no access to water. They were removed from the breeder’s property and are now safe.42
1/30/2026Detroit, MichiganA dog was rescued by police, found emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from hypothermia after being abandoned in the cold.1
1/30/2026High Point, North CarolinaA dog and their guardian were rescued after falling down an embankment into a freezing pond.1
1/29/2026 Fayette County, OhioA 7-month-old kitten, now named Drift, was rescued by an Ohio Department of Transportation plow driver. Drift was found stuck in a snow drift and was taken to a local humane society. He had burs on his coat and a wounded ear, but is recovering rapidly.1
1/29/2026Aurora, IndianaA cat named Luna was stuck on a roof for two days in the cold. Firefighters safely rescued Luna and reunited her with her family.1
1/29/2026Memphis, TennesseeMemphis Animal Services rescued 72 animals left to fend for themselves in snow and freezing temperatures.72
1/29/2026Detroit, MichiganA malnourished dog was rescued by police officers after finding her wandering the street in freezing temperatures. She was brought in to receive vet care.1
1/29/2026North Chicago, IllinoisA cat was abandoned in -12-degree weather outside of a cat rescue. The cat was discovered with frozen paws and is receiving care.1
1/29/2026Cherokee County, GeorgiaA dog fell into a frozen pond about 25 feet from shore. Fire and emergency services returned the dog to safety.1
1/29/2026Vernon, ConnecticutThree cats were living with their guardian in a van without heating. One survived and was treated by a vet, but two of the cats died from hypothermia.1
1/28/2026Spring Hill, TennesseeA dog, now named Francis, and her five puppies were abandoned on an elderly woman’s porch in freezing temperatures. They were taken in by a local animal foster group.6
1/28/2026Brattleboro, VermontTwo cats, now named Sprout and Bud, were rescued from snowbanks suffering from exposure to the cold, and injured. When they were rescued it was -9-degrees.2
1/28/2026Warren Township, OhioA dog was rescued after being left outside overnight in -8-degrees, and colder, weather with the only shelter being a broken dog house that had no straw, no food, and no water.1
1/28/2026Giles County, VirginiaA 16-year-old lab mix named Oakley slipped on ice and slid down a cliff outside of his house. Emergency services used a drone to search the area and locate Oakley. He was uninjured and was safely returned to his family.1
1/27/2026Fort Collins, ColoradoA dog fell into an icy pond. Emergency crews responded and was able to lift them back onto the ice, where the dog then walked to shore.1
1/27/2026Howard County, MarylandA 13-year-old dog named Phred slipped down a frozen hill and became stuck. After her guardian was unable to get her up the hill, police helped.1
1/27/2026Beaver County, PennsylvaniaA dog named Willow, who had been missing for 6 days, was spotted under a train bridge. Firefighters rescued Willow, who survived out in frigid conditions and a major snowstorm.1
1/27/2026Polson, MontanaFirefighters responded to reports of two dogs who fell through the ice of a frozen lake. When officials arrived on scene, the dogs moved to open water and were closely monitored as they swam safely back to shore. They were reunited with their family.2
1/27/2026Exeter, Rhode IslandAnimal control and a couple of volunteers rescued 17 stray cats from the cold ahead of a big snowstorm and below-freezing temperatures.17
1/27/2026Accomack County, VirginiaA beagle/hound mix was rescued after falling through the ice of a frozen creek. The dog was safely rescued by Fire and EMS and was treated for hypothermia and minor paw injuries.1
1/26/2026Pulaski County, ArkansasA dog fell through some ice into the freezing water. A man who witnessed the dog struggling was able to safely rescue the dog.1
1/26/2026Killeen, TexasSix puppies were found inside a box abandoned in a park, just hours before temperatures dropped below freezing. The puppies were found starving and covered in their own feces. They were brought in to receive vet care and are now in custody of rescues.6
1/26/2026Grand Rapids, MichiganA man was alerted of two cats that were freezing on a porch. The tenants of the house had left, abandoning the cats in the cold. The man rescued both cats and adopted them.2
1/26/2026Austin, TexasEight kittens were rescued after they were found freezing in a cage on a sidewalk. They were safely brought in to animal services.8
1/26/2026Clinton County, IllinoisA dog fell through ice while trying to retrieve geese hunted by his guardian. His guardian ran out to try to help, and fell through himself. The dog was rescued, but the man disappeared under the ice and died.1
1/26/2026St. Louis, MissouriA dog fell through the ice into freezing waters after wandering out onto it. Firefighters arrived with a rescue boat and safely returned the dog to shore.1
1/26/2026Houston, TexasAnimal enforcement officers reported that 91 dogs have been rescued off the streets during a period of freezing temperatures.91
1/26/2026Anne Arundel County, MarylandA dog was rescued from an icy creek after becoming stuck. Fire crews safely returned the dog to shore using a Stokes basket.1
1/25/2026Boston, MassachusettsDuring a big snowstorm, a cat took shelter in an apartment building where they were discovered and brought in to a rescue. The shelter called the number on file, and it turns out the cat, named Tiger, had been missing for four years. They were reunited.1
1/25/2026Bergen County, New Jersey7 cats were rescued from living in the cold, surviving extreme weather. They were all placed into foster homes.7
1/25/2026North CarolinaA kitten was rescued by a family hiking in the woods after a snow storm. The cat, now named Elsa, was discovered covered in ice hiding under a piece of scrap metal. The family who found her has now adopted her.1
1/25/2026Bridgeport, ConnecticutThree dogs were removed from a property after two were found tied up in the cold, where wind chill was -11 degrees. A third dog was found hidden in the basement.3
1/25/2026Lenoir County, North CarolinaA mother cat, her four kittens, and a dog, were abandoned outside of an animal shelter in the rain and freezing temperatures. Two of the kittens died.4
1/25/2026TexasA woman rescued a stray cat, adopting him before a winter storm hit. She originally bought him a heated house, but when he would not go in, she brought him inside where it was safe.1
1/25/2026Marlin, TexasA cat was found outside of a fire station during a winter storm. Firefighters brought the cat indoors, providing food and care, and are looking for the cat’s family.1
1/25/2026Stone County, MissouriMillie, a greyhound/lab mix, ran out onto a frozen river where her guardian tried to retrieve her. The ice gave way, and both fell in. A man saw a Facebook post about the situation and quickly responded to the scene. He safely rescued them both without any serious injuries.1
1/25/2026Houston, TexasAs temperatures were below freezing, three dogs were rescued after being found chained outside and suffering from cold exposure. A fourth dog was found dead.3
1/25/2026Wrentham, MassachusettsAfter 5 weeks of slipping into a garage to escape the cold, a local animal rescue was able to trap and bring a stray cat into safety.1
1/25/2026Broken Arrow, OklahomaA dog fell through the ice of a frozen pond and was rescued by firefighters. The dog was taken to a local veterinarian to be checked out.1
1/24/2026Elyria, Ohio11 dogs were rescued after humane workers executed a search warrant. The dogs were found chained outdoors with frozen drinking water and insufficient shelter. There was evidence of dog fighting on the property as well. The dogs were taken in to receive veterinarian care.11
1/23/2026Paragould, ArkansasTwo dogs were found outside in the freezing cold, malnourished, injured, and neglected. They were both tied up with no food and only a bucket of frozen water. The dogs were confiscated from the property and taken for emergency vet treatment.2
1/23/2026Shaftsbury Hollow, VermontA beagle was found chained up outside in the cold with no food and the water in their bowl had frozen. The dog was taken to a vet for care.1
1/23/2026Nazareth, PennsylvaniaA dog was reported to be left outside in single digit temperatures for extended periods of time on multiple occasions. Police secured the dog back inside the house and made sure they were safe.1
1/23/2026Ottumwa, Iowa6 puppies were found abandoned on a gravel road on one of the coldest days of the year. They were rescued by a local humane society and received care.6
1/23/2026       Des Moines, Iowa   A cat was found outside in dangerously cold temperatures, suffering from hypothermia. It took 5 hours of active warming to get her body temperature back to normal. She is continuing to receive care for frostbite and remains under close observation.1
1/23/2026Delaware County, PennsylvaniaA dog fell through the ice of a partially frozen pool and became stuck. Police were called to help and safely rescued the dog.1
1/23/2026East Hartford, ConnecticutAn emaciated dog was found injured and abandoned in a park in the cold. He was hypothermic and had open, infected wounds. He was brought to a veterinarian and is receiving care.1
1/23/2026Colorado Springs, ColoradoA dog was found stuck in a storm drain on a freezing night. The fire department, along with animal law enforcement, safely retrieved the dog and kept him warm during the rescue.1
1/22/2026Wurtsboro, New YorkTwo dogs were rescued after being discovered shivering and emaciated with no access to food or water. One dog was found tied up outside of the unoccupied home, with the other inside the house.2
1/21/2026Tobyanna Township, PennsylvaniaFour puppies were found abandoned outside in the Poconos, and were found outside an apartment complex. 1 died from the cold, and others suffered from frostbite.3
1/21/2026Alma, MichiganA cat, now named Will, was rescued after being found frozen to the road, covered in snow. He had snot frozen to his eyes and nose, and was frostbitten. He was brought to a local rescue where he is continuing to receive care.1
1/21/2026Detroit, MichiganA 3-month-old dog named Frosty was rescued after being found wandering the streets during a snowstorm. Frosty was taken to a veterinary hospital for care.  1
1/21/2026East Massapequa, New YorkSix cats have been rescued from the cold after being abandoned outside a mall over the span of three days. The cats were all severely malnourished, and one was found frozen to death.5
1/19/2026Grosse Ile Township, MichiganA dog was found on a sheet of ice, approximately 350 yards from shore. First responders spent four hours trying to rescue the dog, who kept running away in fear. Her paws froze to the ice after she fell through, where she was then secured and brought to safety.1
1/18/2026Monroe Township, OhioA dog named Bullet was rescued by firefighters after falling through the ice of a frozen pond.1
1/18/2026Holly Township, MichiganA malnourished stray dog was rescued from a field after reports were made it was in danger due to cold weather. The dog bit the trooper who was there to help, and has been brought in to be evaluated by animal control.1
1/17/2026Pembina Valley, ManitobaA cat, now named Wabi Sabi, was found on the side of the road in a ditch. Wabi Sabi was covered with hard-packed snow and was cowering in fear. He is now being cared for by a local humane society and is recovering.1
1/17/2026LaSalle, OntarioTwo dogs were found floating on a chunk of ice in a river for over two hours. The Doberman and Shepherd mix were saved by a boat crew, just before the patch of ice drifted into open water. The dogs were uninjured. Neither dog had a collar or microchip, so officials are searching for their family.2
1/16/2026Onalaska, WisconsinA dog named Thor fell through thin ice after escaping from his foster home. Two fishermen saw Thor fall through the ice and slid across the frozen river on their stomachs to rescue him. Thor was safely returned to shore and is recovering back at the shelter.1
1/16/2026Doniphan, Missouri18 dogs and puppies were removed from a home after being found chained or roaming freely outside in freezing temperatures.18
1/16/2026Gallatin, Tennessee18 dogs were rescued from a property after being found tethered to trees in the cold. One of the dogs was pregnant and safely gave birth to 9 puppies just days after being surrendered.18
1/16/2026Detroit, MichiganA pitbull was found curled up in the snow. He was rescued and brought inside by a woman who is trying to find him a permanent home.1
1/15/2026Detroit, MichiganOn one of the coldest days of the year, a cat was rescued after being found stuck with her paw frozen under a dock. She was rescued by a man who heard her meowing, who adopted her and named her Chilly.1
1/15/2026Shreveport, LouisianaA mother cat and her kittens were abandoned in the freezing cold on the porch of an animal rescue, with no shelter. The mother and 2 babies survived. 3 kittens died.3
1/15/2026Kittitas County, WashingtonA dog and their guardian were rescued after falling through the ice of a frozen pond. First responders successfully rescued them both before the cold water caused any serious injuries.1
1/13/2026Spring Arbor, MichiganA golden retriever named Mia was rescued after falling through the ice of a frozen pond. Mia was about 30 yards from shore and was fighting to stay above water for over 30 minutes. She was safely reunited with her guardian.1
1/10/2026Little Falls, New YorkA labrador mix and his/her guardian were rescued after falling into an icy canal. First responders quickly rescued the woman and entered the water to rescue the struggling dog. Both were rescued without serious injury.1
1/6/2026Chatham, Massachusetts A dog named Goose fell through the ice of a frozen pond. He was safely rescued by firefighters.1
1/4/2026Colon Township, MichiganA dog, named Stevie, fell through the ice on a frozen lake. He was rescued by firefighters and safely reunited with his family.1
1/3/2026Windsor, OntarioAn 11-year-old Husky named Ace was rescued after falling into the icy waters of a river. Police safely rescued Ace and reunited him with his guardian. 1
1/3/2026Saginaw, MichiganA dog was found stranded on the ice of a frozen river. Firefighters secured the dog with a live trap, bringing him/her safely to shore. The dog’s guardian was located, and they were reunited.1
1/3/2026Whistler, British ColombiaFirefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through thin ice on a lake. The dog was safely returned to his family.1
1/1/2026Westerly, Rhode IslandA dog named Phoenix was rescued by firefighters after falling through the ice on a pond and becoming unable to move. Temperatures were approximately 15 degrees at the time of rescue.1

No animal should endure a cold weather–related death. It’s inexcusable.

As guardians, we must take these vital steps in order to protect our beloved animal family members:

1. Keep animals indoors.

Puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, are particularly susceptible to the elements, but all animal companions should be kept warm and cozy indoors. Short-haired animals will also benefit from wearing warm sweaters or coats during brief trips outdoors.

2. Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors without supervision.

Being outside unattended is always dangerous for our animal companions, but cold weather poses even more risks. Cats can climb under the hoods of cars in order to get near warm engines and then be badly injured or killed when the vehicle is started.

3. Keep an eye out for strays.

If you see companion animals roaming the streets, bring them indoors until you can find their guardians, or take them to an animal shelter.

4. Clean dogs after they come in from the snow.

Salt and chemicals used to counter snow can make animals sick if they ingest them. Always clean off your dogs’ legs, paws, and stomach after they’ve been out in the snow. If you use antifreeze, buy a nontoxic brand like Sierra or Prestone LowTox.

5. If you see dogs left outdoors in extreme weather without proper shelter, alert the authorities.

Winter weather spells extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, note their location and alert local authorities immediately.

6. Help all animals survive cold snaps.

During extreme winter conditions, you can provide birds and other wildlife with access to water by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice twice a day.

When the weather improves, be sure to remove any food offerings in order to prevent the animals’ dependence on artificial feedings.

*****

Together, we can help drastically reduce the number of dogs and other animal companions who die in cold weather and even eliminate these tragedies altogether.

Animals are counting on us—as their guardians and as good Samaritans—to keep them safe. We can’t let them down.

Take Action Now

You can become an “Angel for Animals” by sponsoring a PETA doghouse. We provide lonely “outside dogs” with sturdy doghouses to shelter them in the rain and in the snow and freezing temperatures of winter. Click below to help:

Help a Cold, Neglected Dog Survive the Winter

Make sure that all your friends and family members know the potentially lifesaving cold-weather tips above:

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Watch this video, listen to this radio clip, and check out this ad to learn more about the reasons why you should never leave a dog outside during cold weather.

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“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?”

— Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Founder and co-author of Animalkind

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