Last updated on January 13, 2023:

The number of dogs and other companion animals who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather since 2022:

35

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.

Year	Deaths	Rescues	Incidents
2023	1	28	See the list.
2022	34	361	See the list.
2021	22	475	See the list.
2020	6	77	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 deaths of companion animals reported by the media as of 2023:

Date	Location	Notes	Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Died
1/8/2023	Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond. Another dog fell through the ice and wasn’t recovered.	1

The following list is a compilation of cold weather–related rescues of companion animals reported by the media as of 2023:

Date	Location	Notes	Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued
1/10/2023	Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada	Fifteen neglected and emaciated dogs were seized from a property after being left in subzero temperatures without food or water.	15
1/10/2023	Pueblo, Colorado	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen lake.	1
1/8/2023	Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond. Another dog fell through the ice and wasn’t recovered.	1
1/5/2023	Danville, Vermont	Firefighters rescued a dog, their guardian, and an attempted rescuer from a partially frozen pond.	1
1/5/2023	Canterbury, New Hampshire	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond.	1
1/3/2023	Lebanon, Maine	A good Samaritan rescued a dog from a partially frozen river.	1
1/3/2023	Wichita, Kansas	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen river.	1
1/2/2023	Pike Creek, Delaware	A dog and their guardian were rescued from a partially frozen pond.	1
1/2/2023	Cabery, Illinois	Firefighters rescued a dog from a partially frozen pond.	1
1/1/2023	Fargo, North Dakota	A kitten was rescued after being found frozen to the ground.	1
1/1/2023	West Fargo, North Dakota	A dog was rescued after falling into a partially frozen river.	1
1/1/2023	Lac-Beauport, Québec, Canada	A dog was rescued from a partially frozen lake.	1
1/1/2023	North Platte, Nebraska	Divers rescued a dog from a partially frozen lake.	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.

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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.