Keeping Pets Safe This Winter

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many of us pull out our warmest coats, heat up the cocoa, and settle into cozy routines. But for our four-legged friends—especially those without permanent homes—winter can be a dangerous time.

Whether you’re caring for a beloved pet or simply an animal lover concerned about the well-being of stray dogs and cats in your community, here are some essential winter safety tips—plus one powerful action you can take that helps animals all year long.

1. Limit Time Outdoors

Even with a fur coat, dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia. Keep walks short during frigid weather, and never leave pets outside for extended periods. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.

2. Check Under the Hood

Cats love to curl up in warm places, and the underside of a recently driven car can be dangerously tempting. Before starting your engine, give the hood a tap to ensure no cats are hiding underneath.

3. Wipe Their Paws

Ice-melting chemicals and salt can irritate paws and even be toxic if licked off. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp cloth after walks to remove any residue, and consider pet-safe de-icing products for your sidewalks.

4. Provide Shelter for Stray or Community Animals

If you care for outdoor cats or notice strays in your neighborhood, consider setting up a simple insulated shelter using a plastic bin or foam cooler. It could mean the difference between life and death on freezing nights.

5. Keep Them Warm—Inside and Out

Senior pets and those with thin coats may need extra help staying warm. Sweaters, cozy bedding, and heated pet mats can make a big difference.

6. Don’t Forget the Water

Dehydration is just as deadly in winter as it is in summer. In freezing temperatures, water bowls can ice over quickly—especially outdoors. Check water frequently and use heated bowls if possible. For feral or community cats, offer warm water a few times a day in deep plastic bowls (which retain heat better than metal). Proper hydration helps animals regulate their body temperature, digest food, and stay healthy when they need it most.

Why Spaying & Neutering Saves Lives in Winter (and Beyond)

Winter can be especially brutal for homeless dogs and cats. Every year, countless animals face the cold without shelter, food, or medical care. Spaying and neutering is one of the most compassionate ways we can reduce this suffering.

When animals are spayed or neutered, we prevent unwanted litters that often end up on the streets or in overcrowded shelters. Fewer litters means fewer animals struggling to survive in harsh conditions—and fewer heartbreaking stories of animals lost to the cold.

At PennyFix, we’re committed to funding organizations that spay and neuter every dog and cat—owned or homeless—because we believe prevention is powerful.

And here’s the beautiful part: we’re building something sustainable.
Our vision is to create a steady, long-term stream of funding for spay/neuter programs through a simple idea: adding just one penny to the sale of every bag or can of pet food. While we don’t yet have a pet food company on board, we’re actively working toward that goal—and we know it’s possible.

In the meantime, every single penny donated goes directly to funding spay/neuter surgeries. Our team is 100% volunteer, which means no salaries, no overhead—just immediate impact for animals in need.

You Can Help Right Now

This winter, let’s not only keep the pets in our homes warm and safe—but also the ones still waiting for warmth, safety, and a second chance.

💛 Donate to PennyFix — your gift supports life-saving spay/neuter surgeries.
📣 Talk to your pet food company — let them know you support this funding model.
🐾 Spread the word — because every animal deserves a safe, warm place to call home.

Together, we can create a world where every dog and cat is wanted, cared for, and protected—from winter’s chill and beyond