Companion Animals Are Dying in Cold Weather—These Are the Reported Cases
Last updated on January 16, 2025:
The number of dogs and other companion animals who have reportedly died from causes related to cold weather in 2025:
0
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 |
| 2025 | 0 | 21 | See the list. |
| 2024 | 36 | 597 | See the list. |
| 2023 | 13 | 644 | See the list. |
| 2022 | 35 | 364 | 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 rescues of companion animals reported by the media as of 2025:
| Date | Location | Notes | Number of Dogs and Other Animals Who Were Rescued |
| 01/14/2025 | Gardiner, Maine | Firefighters rescued a dog that had fallen through the ice of a stream. | 1 |
| 01/12/2025 | Springfield, Missouri | The Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team rescued a dog and his guardian after they fell through the ice on a pond. | 1 |
| 01/12/2025 | Wellesley, Massachusetts | Firefighters rescued a dog and his guardian after they fell through the ice on a lake. The dog was treated for hypothermia and is expected to make a full recovery. | 1 |
| 01/12/2025 | Loudoun County, Virginia | First responders rescued a dog that had fallen through the ice on a reservoir. | 1 |
| 01/09/2025 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Fire crews rescued a dog after she fell through the ice on a pond. | 1 |
| 01/08/2025 | Highspire, Pennsylvania | A mail carrier rescued a dog whose hind legs were trapped beneath the ice in a creek. | 1 |
| 01/07/2025 | Palmetto, Georgia | Police rescued a mother dog and her eight newborn puppies as she gave birth beneath a home in freezing temperatures. | 9 |
| 01/06/2025 | Rye, New York | Firefighters rescued a dog trapped in an icy pond. | 1 |
| 01/06/2025 | Harper Woods, Michigan | A puppy suffering from a severe case of mange was rescued after being abandoned at the doorstep of a rescue organization in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 01/06/2025 | Erie, Pennsylvania | A dog, initially presumed dead, was rescued after being found outside in freezing temperatures. | 1 |
| 01/5/2025 | Kansas City, Missouri | A dog was rescued after being abandoned in a crate on a sidewalk during a snowstorm. | 1 |
| 01/05/2025 | Blackwood, New Jersey | Firefighters rescued two dogs and their guardians from a partially frozen creek. | 2 |
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.
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