Last updated July 26, 2021:

The number of dogs and other animal companions who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather since 2020:

28

Every year, PETA receives reports about dogs, cats, and other animals who have died after being left outdoors in cold weather. In 2019 alone, there were 37 animal companion deaths related to cold weather—and those are just the ones that were reported. Most aren’t.

Year	Deaths	Rescues	Incidents
2020-2021	28	460	See the list.
2019	37	322	See the list.
2018	43	34	See the list.

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related animal companion deaths reported by the media since 2020:

Date	Location	Notes	Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Died
2/22/2021	Fairview Township, Pennsylvania	A man and two dogs died after they all fell through a frozen pond in Fairview Township, PA. The man had attempted to use a kayak to rescue the dogs, but he fell in as well.	2
2/16/2021	Wichita, Kansas	A dog froze to death after being tethered outside in freezing temperatures.	1
2/15/2021	Houston, Texas	One dog died and five others had to be rescued after being left outside an auto body shop in subzero temperatures.	1
2/15/2021	Davis City, Iowa	One dog died after being left outside during freezing temperatures. The owner was not charged nor was his other dog taken away.	1
2/14/2021	Grapeland, Texas	Four horses and four dogs were rescued from a property after being left outside in subzero temperatures. Officials found one dog dead.	1
2/13/2021	Noble, Oklahoma	After seeing a Facebook post from a concerned resident, a good Samaritan checked on a dog reportedly chained outside in freezing temperatures. When she arrived, she found multiple chained dogs, three puppies, and only a hole for shelter.	6
2/13/2021	Frankfort, Kentucky	Nine puppies were abandoned outside an animal shelter after hours in freezing temperatures. Five of them died.	5
2/8/2021	Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada	A dog was found half frozen outside in subzero temperatures. A good Samaritan attempted to save him, but the dog died shortly afterward.	1
2/8/2021	Detroit, Michigan	A senior dog was found dead in his yard after being left outside in freezing temperatures.	2
2/7/2021	St. Louis, Missouri	A dog and her puppy froze to death after being abandoned in their doghouse on the side of a road. They were among the more than 30 dogs and cats found outside in the cold in just three days and taken to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.	1
1/12/2021	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Animal control found a dog frozen to death. She was with her seven puppies, who were rescued and survived.	1
12/26/2020	Lakeville, Indiana	A dog died after falling into an icy pond.	1
12/25/2020	Highlands Ranch, Colorado	A dog died after falling through ice on a partially frozen pond.	1
12/21/2020	Rochester, New York	Two dogs fell into a partially frozen pond. One dog was rescued, but the other one died.	1
12/18/2020	Hopkinsville, Kentucky	A woman was charged with second degree animal cruelty after her dog was found dead outside due to cold weather and lack of body weight.	1
2/23/2020	Marquette, Michigan	A dog died after falling through ice into the Carp River.	1
2/5/2020	Orland, Maine	A dog and his or her guardian died after falling through ice while driving across a lake.	1

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related animal companion rescues reported by the media since 2020:

Date	Location	Notes	Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued
4/11/2021	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada	Rescuers saved a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen river.	1
4/6/2021	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada	Rescuers saved a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen river.	1
3/26/2021	Lebanon, New Hampshire	Firefighters rescued a dog who was trapped on a partially frozen lake.	1
3/24/2021	Cairo, New York	Police officers rescued two dogs who had fallen through ice on a reservoir.	2
3/21/2021	Bigfork, Montana	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake.	1
3/18/2021	Edwards, Colorado	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through ice on a partially frozen lake.	1
3/7/2021	Bolingbrook, Illinois	Two dogs had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into an icy pond.	2
3/6/2021	Idaho Falls, Idaho	Three dogs were rescued by firefighters after falling into the Snake River.	3
3/5/2021	Long Beach, New York	Police officers rescued a dog who was locked inside a freezing van on a 29-degree night.	1
3/5/2021	Monee, Illinois	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy reservoir.	1
3/5/2021	Wheaton, Illinois	A dog had to be rescued from an icy pond.	1
3/4/2021	Manteno, Illinois	A dog was rescued by two police officers after falling into an icy lake.	1
3/4/2021	Hanson, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond.	1
3/4/2021	Oronoco, Minnesota	A dog had to be rescued after falling into an icy lake.	1
3/3/2021	Hanson, Massachusetts	A dog and his guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy pond.	1
3/2/2021	Jefferson, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a 12-year-old girl and her dog after they fell into a partially frozen pond while on a walk.	1
2/28/2021	Sylvania, Ohio	A dog had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into an icy pond.	1
2/27/2021	Hoopeston, Illinois	Firefighters and local residents rescued a dog from an icy lake.	1
2/27/2021	Vigo County, Indiana	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy pond.	1
2/26/2021	Long Beach, New York	A dog was rescued after being left inside a van during below-freezing temperatures.	1
2/26/2021	Columbus, Indiana	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake.	1
2/25/2021	Aurora, Indiana	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake.	1
2/24/2021	Pike Creek, Delaware	Firefighters rescued a dog trapped on a partially frozen pond.	1
2/24/2021	Lee’s Summit, Missouri	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on Raintree Lake.	1
2/24/2021	Wilmington, Delaware	Police and firefighters rescued a dog who was stranded on a frozen pond.	1
2/24/2021	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	After a 2-year-old cat was found frozen on a porch, her leg and tail had to be amputated.	1
2/23/2021	Glen Carbon, Illinois	A 17-year-old boy’s neighbor rescued the boy’s dog after the animal fell into a partially frozen lake.	1
2/23/2021	Edmonton, Alberta	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond.	1
2/23/2021	Parker, Colorado	Firefighters rescued a dog from an icy lake at Salisbury Equestrian Park.	1
2/23/2021	Tonawanda, New York	A dog and his two guardians had to be rescued after falling into a frozen creek.	1
2/23/2021	San Antonio, Texas	Animal Services rescued about 200 animals during the week of winter weather.	200
2/22/2021	Mapaville, Missouri	Two fire departments worked together to rescue a dog who had fallen into a thawing icy pond.	1
2/22/2021	Marshall, Arkansas	A dog had to be rescued by police, other first responders, and neighbors after falling into a partially frozen pond.	1
2/22/2021	Madison, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a woman and her dog after they fell through the ice on Lake Monona.	1
2/22/2021	Olive Branch, Mississippi	A dog and the dogs guardian has to be rescued after falling into a frozen pond.	1
2/22/2021	Clinton, British Columbia, Canada	A dog was rescued after being lost for 17 days outside during one of the seasons worst cold snaps.	1
2/22/2021	Shelby County, Tennessee	Firefighters rescued a Great Dane who had fallen through the ice on a pond. The animal’s guardians told firefighters that they had let three of their dogs out and one of them quickly returned and alerted them that something was wrong.	1
2/22/2021	Hot Springs, Arkansas	A dog and his guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy pond.	1
2/21/2021	Robeson County, North Carolina	A dog had to be rescued after being left chained outside in standing, freezing-cold floodwater.	1
2/20/2021	Montgomery, Alabama	Montgomery Humane Society officers removed about 40 animals who had been left outside on chains or without shelter during cold weather in the few weeks prior.	40
2/20/2021	Woodhaven, Michigan	A dog was stuck on the frozen Detroit River for four days and was rescued by a good Samaritan.	1
2/19/2021	Murfreesboro, Tennessee	A dog had to be rescued after falling into a frozen pool.	1
2/19/2021	Houston, Texas	An elderly Labrador was rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures.	1
2/18/2021	Franklin County, Ohio	A dog suffering from a BB shot to the head was abandoned inside a cage in a snowy parking lot.	1
2/18/2021	Houston, Texas	A dog was rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures.	1
2/18/2021	Harvey County, Kansas	A cat was rescued after being abandoned in the cold.	1
2/18/2021	San Antonio, Texas	A woman found a dog wandering around outside during frigid temperatures and used tortillas to lure him into her car.	1
2/18/2021	Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada	A dog was rescued after being found outside in freezing temperatures. He was suffering from frostbite on his ears and tail.	1
2/17/2021	Franklin, Tennessee	A man jumped into a partially frozen pond to save his dog, who had fallen in.	1
2/17/2021	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	A dog had to be rescued by police officers after being left on a balcony while it was snowing.	1
2/16/2021	Toronto, Ontario	A dog had to be rescued from an icy pond.	1
2/16/2021	Harris County, Texas	Eight dogs and a pig were rescued from a property after being left outside in freezing temperatures.	9
2/15/2021	Southlake, Texas	A dog playing in the snow in his backyard wandered onto a partially frozen pool and fell in. His guardian rescued him.	1
2/15/2021	Youngstown, Ohio	One puppy had to be rescued after being abandoned in a crate in the freezing rain. The crate had the word “Free” written on the side of it.	1
2/15/2021	Bellmead, Texas	Two puppies had to be rescued after being left in a dumpster during single-digit temperatures.	2
2/15/2021	Houston, Texas	Eight dogs had to be rescued after being left outside in freezing temperatures. They were all malnourished, and one had a broken jaw.	8
2/15/2021	Houston, Texas	One dog died and five others had to be rescued after being left outside an auto body shop in subzero temperatures.	1
2/15/2021	Princeton, Minnesota	A cat had to be rescued after being found outside in freezing temperatures and suffering from frostbite.	1
2/14/2021	Albuquerque, New Mexico	A dog was rescued after getting stuck between two boulders during a hike. It was freezing outside, so firefighters had to work quickly to free him.	1
2/14/2021	Oxford, Mississippi	A puppy had to be rescued from a frozen lake after falling through the ice while fetching a stick.	1
2/14/2021	Hot Springs, Arkansas	A man and his dog had to be rescued by police after falling into a frozen pond.	1
2/14/2021	Southlake, Texas	A dog had to be rescued by his guardian and a police officer after falling into an icy pond.	1
2/14/2021	Cedar Springs, Michigan	A woman found a cat nearly frozen to one of the tires on her car. The animal is recovering.	1
2/14/2021	Grapeland, Texas	Four horses and four dogs were rescued from a property after being left outside in subzero temperatures. Officials found one dog dead.	8
2/13/2021	Frankfort, Kentucky	Nine puppies were abandoned outside an animal shelter after hours in freezing temperatures. Five of them died.	4
2/12/2021	Houston Texas	Harris County deputies rescued a dog found in distress after being left outside in a crate during cold, rainy weather. The dog was released to a family member, and the owner was charged with cruelty to animals.	1
2/8/2021	Wichita, Kansas	Firefighters rescued a dog trapped on a partially frozen pond.	1
2/8/2021	Omaha, Nebraska	A cat was rescued after getting stuck in a chain-link fence in the snow.	1
2/8/2021	Topeka, Kansas	Three fire departments worked together to rescue a dog who had fallen into an icy river.	1
2/8/2021	St. Louis, Missouri	A dog and her puppy froze to death after being abandoned in their doghouse on the side of a road. They were among the more than 30 dogs and cats found outside in the cold in just three days and taken to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.	28
2/7/2021	Escondido, California	A dog had to be rescued after being tied to a pole and abandoned in a park.	1
1/28/2021	Omaha, Nebraska	Rescue crews had to save a dog and the dog’s two guardians after they fell into an icy pond.	1
1/27/2021	Mansfield, Ohio	A 4-month-old puppy was abandoned outside the Richland County Animal Shelter after hours and wasn’t discovered until the following day. The temperature dropped to 18 degrees that night.	1
1/24/2021	Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada	A couple rescued a cat who was living outside in the cold and suffering from frostbite.	1
1/24/2021	Branford, Connecticut	A dog was found outside in the early morning after being abandoned in freezing temperatures. He was suffering from frostbite on his paws as well as other medical conditions because of neglect.	1
1/20/2021	New York, New York	A dog was rescued by police officers after falling into the icy Jamaica Bay.	1
1/17/2021	Cairo, New York	A dog found in a shed, trying to keep warm after being abandoned, had been suffering from malnutrition and dehydration for many months and was 20 pounds underweight.	1
1/13/2021	Catawissa, Pennsylvania	A 12-year-old poodle mix was found abandoned outside a Dollar General store. He was treated for hypothermia, and an investigation is underway to find out who abandoned him.	1
1/12/2021	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Seven puppies were rescued after being left outside in the cold. Their mother didn’t survive.	7
1/8/2021	Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania	A dog was tied to a pole and abandoned outside an animal shelter during 24-degree weather. He was discovered and rescued.	1
1/7/2021	San Antonio, Texas	A puppy was abandoned in a cardboard box outside an animal shelter, in the freezing cold. He survived and will be adopted out once old enough.	1
1/3/2021	Burlington, Vermont	A 10-year-old Great Dane was found abandoned on the side of the road in freezing temperatures.	1
1/3/2021	Québec, Canada	A woman took in a cat who was suffering from frostbite, worms, and rotten teeth after being abandoned outdoors in the cold.	1
12/31/2020	Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada	A semi-truck driver rescued a cat who had been run over and was frozen to the road.	1
12/28/2020	Avon, Ohio	A golden retriever was rescued by police officers after falling into an icy pond at Veterans Memorial Park.	1
12/23/2020	Needham, Massachusetts	A dog and a woman were rescued after falling through ice into the Charles River.	1
12/22/2020	Eastchester, New York	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into a partially frozen lake.	1
12/22/2020	Frederick, Maryland	A dog and the dog’s guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy lake.	1
12/21/2020	Rochester, New York	Two dogs fell into a partially frozen pond. One dog was rescued, but the other one died.	1
12/20/2020	Wasatch County, Utah	Three people and a dog were rescued from a partially frozen reservoir.	1
12/18/2020	Easton, Connecticut	A dog and the dog’s guardian had to be rescued after falling into an icy pond.	1
12/17/2020	Whittemore, Michigan	A dog had to be rescued by his guardian after falling into an icy river.	1
12/16/2020	Box Elder County, Utah	A dog and his guardian had to be rescued after falling through the ice at Mantua Reservoir. The dog sustained lacerations and hypothermia.	1
12/16/2020	Round Lake, New York	A woman who was digging her truck out of the snow found a cat who had sought shelter underneath the vehicle before it was buried by a snowplow. The animal was rescued and survived.	1
12/11/2020	Shawano, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy river.	1
12/11/2020	High Point, NC	Someone has been abandoning cats outside the Guilford County Animal Shelter. It has happened at least four times.	5
12/10/2020	Woodbury, Vermont	Volunteer firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy lake.	1
12/10/2020	Colrain, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through ice on a partially frozen pond.	1
12/7/2020	Lone Tree, Colorado	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond on a golf course.	1
12/5/2020	Concord Township, Ohio	Firefighters rescued a dog who was trapped on thin ice in the middle of a pond.	1
12/2/2020	Horace, North Dakota	Firefighters rescued a dog who was stranded on a chunk of ice in a river.	1
10/26/2020	Commerce City, Colorado	A kitten was found with her paws and tail frozen to the rim of a semi-trailer tire. The man who discovered her used warm water to free her, and she was taken to a shelter.	1
12/11/2020	Minnesota	A dog ran away from his new home on December 11 and wasn’t caught until 66 days later after enduring extreme cold.	1
12/11/2020	Greensboro, NC	Two cats were left in carriers by a dumpster outside a cat clinic during freezing temperatures. They survived.	2
11/25/2020	Bevent, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen pond.	1
11/16/2020	Dickinson, North Dakota	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy river.	1
3/30/2020	Pinedale, Wyoming	A sheriff’s deputy rescued a dog who had fallen into a partially frozen lake.	1
3/9/2020	Leominster, Massachusetts	A woman who was walking her dog with her family saw a dog who had fallen into a freezing pond and gotten stuck between two blocks of ice. She crawled out onto the ice and was able to rescue the animal.	1
3/5/2020	Sherburne County, Minnesota	Sheriff’s deputies rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy river.	1
3/4/2020	Olmsted County, Minnesota	A dog and three people who had tried to help the animal were rescued from Lake Zumbro.	1
3/2/2020	Muskegon, Michigan	A dog was rescued after he went missing and was later found trapped on a piece of ice in the middle of a lake.	1
2/29/2020	Neptune City, New Jersey	Eight dogs and puppies were rescued from a porch after being left outside during below-freezing temperatures. They were in cages covered by a tarp and had no access to food, water, or heat.	8
2/25/2020	Leverett, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond.	1
2/23/2020	Chicago, Illinois	Firefighters rescued a dog and the animal’s guardian from a partially frozen lagoon.	1
2/18/2020	Colorado Springs, Colorado	Two dogs were rescued by firefighters after falling through the ice on a partially frozen body of water at a park.	2
2/16/2020	Springfield Township, Ohio	A police officer and a kayaker rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen pond.	1
2/15/2020	Boston, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog and his or her guardian from a partially frozen pond.	1
2/12/2020	Plainfield, Illinois	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on a partially frozen pond.	1
2/9/2020	Denver, Colorado	A dog and his or her guardian died after falling into an icy pond.	1
2/6/2020	Vermilion, Ohio	A young cat was found huddled and half frozen by an electric meter outside a business​. He wasn’t able to move, his fur was wet and frozen on one side, and his paws were bright pink. After a worker found him and warmed him up, he was taken to a veterinary​ office.	1
2/2/2020	Winthrop, New York	Firefighters rescued a horse who had fallen into an icy river. The animal sustained minor scrapes and bruises.	1
2/1/2020	Flagstaff, Arizona	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy lake.	1
1/31/2020	South Milwaukee, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through the ice on Lake Michigan.	1
1/30/2020	Tilton, New Hampshire	Firefighters rescued a dog who was stuck on thin ice in the middle of a lake.	1
1/30/2020	Jefferson County, Colorado	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into frigid water following a car crash.	1
1/30/2020	Oshkosh, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a dog who was wearing a harness and leash from a frozen river.	1
1/29/2020	Bloomington, Minnesota	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy river.	1
1/27/2020	Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada	A dog and four children were rescued after falling through the ice on the St. John River.	1
1/26/2020	Louisville, Kentucky	A dog suffering from hypothermia was rescued by staff at Louisville Metro Animal Services after being tied to a fence outside the facility during cold weather.	1
1/24/2020	Manson, Washington	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into a partially frozen lake.	1
1/24/2020	Salem, Massachusetts	Someone tied a dog to a pole outside an animal shelter during freezing temperatures. The dog was found and was fine.	1
1/22/2020	Drayton Valley, AB, Canada	Three kittens were found, frozen to the ground. An oil worker found them and used warm coffee to unstick them from the ground, and they survived.	3
1/22/2020	Fort Smith, Arkansas	A freezing cat with leg wounds was rescued after being spotted in a park.	1
1/21/2020	Jackson, Mississippi	A dog was found emaciated with a low body temperature after being left outside for two nights in 20-degree weather. Rescuers responded to an anonymous tip that she was in danger, and her owner subsequently surrendered her to rescuers. The dog was receiving veterinary care.	1
1/19/2020	East Greenwich, Rhode Island	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into an icy pond.	1
1/19/2020	Sterling, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog and his guardian from an icy pond.	1
1/18/2020	Glendale, Wisconsin	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen through thin ice into the Milwaukee River.	1
1/17/2020	Jefferson County, Idaho	A dog was rescued by his or her guardian after falling into an icy river.	1
1/16/2020	Burr Ridge, Illinois	A dog’s guardians went to church, forgetting that he was outside in 16-degree weather. While they were gone, he got stuck in the fence and was heard barking for an hour until authorities were called. A police officer was able to free him and took the dog into his care until the guardians came home.	1
1/15/2020	Bolton, Massachusetts	Firefighters rescued a dog and his or her guardian from a partially frozen pond.	1
1/14/2020	Palmyra, Wisconsin	A dog and his or her guardian were rescued after falling into an icy pond.	1
1/6/2020	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	Firefighters rescued a dog who had fallen into the Ottawa River.	1
1/5/2020	Amesbury, Massachusetts	A pit bull who ran away from her home fell through the ice on a pond and had to be rescued by firefighters. ​	1
1/1/2020	Boulder, Colorado	A woman fell through the ice on a lake while trying to rescue her dog, who had done the same. Firefighters rescued both of them.	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:

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

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.