Freezing temperatures are officially here. Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters in 2025, is offering safety tips to help keep pets safe.

Photo courtesy Best Friends
Below are the top five tips to remember throughout winter:
- Baby it’s cold outside: Once the temperature drops below 20° Fahrenheit, pets are at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.
- Pro tip: Keep your pets inside during extreme temperatures and make sure to keep both walks and potty breaks short.
- Holiday Sweater anyone?: Dogs and cats’ paws, ears, and tails are the most common places pets can develop frostbite.
- Pro tip: Many dogs, particularly those with short coats, will appreciate having a sweater or coat on. If a dog frequently lifts their paws, whines or stops during walks, it likely means their feet are cold.
- Boots are made for walking: The chemicals used to melt snow and ice off streets and sidewalks can injure or irritate the pads of pet’s feet. Always look for pet-friendly ice melt products and steer clear of anti-freeze which is toxic to pets.
- Pro tip: Gently wipe their feet with a damp towel once they are back inside to avoid a trip to the veterinarian. Wearing boots can also protect paws from irritating salt on the street.
- Safely let it snow: Don’t let dogs off the leash during a snowstorm. No matter how much they want to play in the snow, they can easily lose their scent and become lost.
- Pro tip: As a year-round rule, always make sure dogs are wearing ID tags and are microchipped before you take them out. This helps pets and their people reunite should they get lost.
- In the hoods: Always check under the hood of a car’s engine – a favorite hiding space for community cats.
- Pro tip: Check underneath a car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to make sure a cat hasn’t taken up temporary housing there.

Photo courtesy Best Friends

Photo courtesy Best Friends

Photo courtesy Best Friends