January 22, 2026
The Ontario SPCA reminds pet parents to take extra care during extreme winter weather
As bitter cold settles across the province, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet parents to take precautions to help keep their animals safe. Extreme winter weather can lead to serious risks like frostbite and hypothermia, and animals rely on us to protect them from the elements.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ontario SPCA reminds pet parents to take extra care during extreme winter weather
Stouffville, ON (Jan. 22, 2026) – As bitter cold settles across the province, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet parents to take precautions to help keep their animals safe. Extreme winter weather can lead to serious risks like frostbite and hypothermia, and animals rely on us to protect them from the elements.
“Even a short time in severe cold can be dangerous for animals,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Interim Medical Director, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By watching for signs of discomfort and making small adjustments to your routine, you can help keep your pets safe this winter.”
Some animals love the snow, but prolonged time outdoors can quickly become hazardous in frigid temperatures. Keep a close eye when your dog is outside playing and watch for early signs of the cold, such as shivering or holding up their paws. Cats, puppies, seniors and animals with short coats are especially vulnerable during cold snaps. An insulated sweater or coat can offer much-needed protection for dogs who need an extra layer. But even with winter clothing, animals should only be outside for short periods during extreme cold.
As temperatures drop, frozen lakes and rivers may look inviting to curious pets, but ice can be unpredictable. Keep your pet close, steer clear of the water’s edge, and be mindful of thin or refrozen ice that could break without warning.
The Ontario SPCA also urges caution around vehicles. Cars cool rapidly in winter, making them unsafe places for pets. Engines remain warm for a while after being turned off and can attract cats seeking shelter. Before starting your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to make sure no animals are hiding underneath.
If you’re worried about the safety of an animal, call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or contact your local police. In an emergency, call 911.
For more information on winter pet safety, visit ontariospca.ca
##
Media Contact
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.