The cold brings more than just a seasonal shift—it brings a harsh reality for the stray and abandoned animals in our communities. While many of us take steps to winterize our homes and ensure our pets are safe and warm, countless animals are left to face freezing temperatures, snow, and wind without shelter, food, or care. For these vulnerable animals, survival becomes a daily struggle. In this blog, we’ll explore how cold weather affects stray animals, the risks they face during the winter months, and how small acts of kindness–such as providing outdoor shelters or supporting the animal shelters in Niagara–can truly make a life-saving difference.
Stray animals face hardships throughout the year, but winter brings severe challenges. Without the comfort of a warm home or the security of a steady food source, these animals are left to navigate freezing temperatures, icy winds, and dwindling resources on their own. Unlike companion animals who are protected and cared for, strays must rely on luck and instinct to find shelter and sustenance—an often overwhelming and dangerous task as conditions grow harsher.
One of the most urgent threats stray and abandoned animals face in winter is exposure to the cold. Without a warm, dry place to seek refuge, they are left vulnerable to wind, freezing rain, snow, and plummeting temperatures. Prolonged or even brief exposure to such extreme conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia or frostbite—both of which can be fatal without immediate care. While some animals may find temporary shelter in places like dense shrubs, abandoned buildings, or under porches, these options are often scarce, unsafe, or inaccessible—especially during snowfalls or sudden cold snaps. As snow accumulates and temperatures fall overnight, their already limited options for safety become even more restricted. For stray animals, simply finding a place to stay warm can be a daily struggle for survival.
Finding enough food and water is a daily battle for stray animals, and winter makes that struggle even more intense. As temperatures drop, natural food sources like insects, small rodents, and even discarded scraps become scarce or completely inaccessible. At the same time, animals must burn more energy just to stay warm, meaning their caloric needs increase while their ability to find nourishment decreases. Staying hydrated is just as critical—and just as difficult. Water sources quickly freeze in cold weather, leaving animals without a reliable way to drink. Dehydration can be just as dangerous as starvation, weakening the immune system and making it harder for animals to fight off illness or injury. For stray and abandoned animals, the simple need for food and water becomes a life-threatening challenge during the winter months.
Winter doesn’t just bring discomfort for stray animals—it brings serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions can lead to respiratory infections, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses. For animals already weakened by hunger, stress, or injury, even minor health issues can quickly escalate. Living without shelter means constant exposure to harsh elements, which takes a toll on an animal’s immune system. Their bodies are in a constant state of survival, leaving little strength to fight off infections or heal from wounds. And without access to veterinary care, treatable conditions often go unchecked—turning manageable illnesses into life-threatening situations.
In recent decades, winters in Niagara have become less predictable—and more dangerous—for the animals living on the margins. Climate change is intensifying seasonal weather patterns, bringing about erratic conditions like sudden deep freezes, unseasonal warm spells, and increasingly severe snow and ice storms. For stray and abandoned animals already fighting to survive, these shifts can be devastating.
These shifting patterns mean winter is no longer something stray animals can learn to adapt to—because the conditions change too rapidly and severely. For the Humane Society of Greater Niagara and its animal control team serving St. Catharines, this “new normal” demands constant vigilance and flexible response strategies. Every storm, every cold snap, and every thaw presents new risks—and requires swift, compassionate action. As a community, understanding this growing challenge is essential. Providing shelter and resources isn’t just about getting through the coldest months anymore—it’s about keeping pace with an environment that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable. By supporting local efforts and staying alert to animals in distress, we can help protect Niagara’s most vulnerable residents through the changing seasons.
You don’t have to be a rescue worker to make a real difference in the lives of stray and abandoned animals. Often, it’s the small, consistent acts of kindness from community members that have the greatest impact. As the cold sets in, there are several meaningful ways you can help protect vulnerable animals in your neighbourhood—many of which take little time or money, but offer life-saving results.
One of the most effective ways to help is by providing shelter. Stray cats and smaller dogs are especially vulnerable to wind, wet conditions, and freezing temperatures. A simple outdoor shelter can be the difference between survival and suffering on a frigid night. You can create a basic insulated shelter using common materials. Here's one easy and effective method:
These shelters offer strays a safe, dry space and a fighting chance through the coldest nights of the year.
Winter takes a physical toll on animals, especially when they have to burn extra calories just to stay warm. Providing a feeding station with high-calorie food can help them maintain energy and body heat.
If you see a stray or abandoned animal that appears injured, extremely thin, limping, or shivering, it’s important to act. These are often signs of cold exposure or other health emergencies. Contact the Humane Society of Greater Niagara’s animal control team, which serves St. Catharines, Thorold, Grimsby, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, immediately. Trained professionals can respond quickly, assess the animal’s condition, and provide necessary care. Prompt reporting can be the difference between life and death for an animal in need.
Your support goes a long way. As a Niagara-based humane society, HSGN relies on generous community contributions to provide food, warmth, medical care, and hope for hundreds of animals every year. Here’s how you can get involved:
Even small gestures, like donating towels, blankets (for indoor shelter use), pet food, or cleaning supplies, can make a meaningful impact.
If you have the space and the heart, adopting or fostering a stray animal during winter can literally save a life. Temporary fosters provide warmth, food, love, and security while an animal waits for a permanent home—and this is especially critical during the colder months.
Welcoming an animal into your home is one of the most compassionate actions you can take—and it changes two lives: theirs and yours.
Whether you’re a lifelong animal advocate or just beginning to explore how to help, winter often raises important questions. Below are some of the most common winter-related questions we receive, along with guidance on how you can safely and effectively support animals in your community.
A: Yes—if the animal appears approachable and you're able to safely contain and transport it, offering temporary shelter indoors can be a life-saving act. However, it’s important to take a few precautions:
A: Even animals that look well-fed or alert are at risk in freezing temperatures. If you're unable to bring the animal indoors, offer temporary assistance by:
A: Ideally, every day—especially during snowstorms or freezing conditions. Regular checks ensure:
This consistent maintenance increases the shelter’s usefulness and can be the key to an animal’s comfort and survival.
A: In cold weather, animals burn more energy just to stay warm, so calorie-dense food is essential.
As the cold weather sets in, the survival of stray and abandoned animals in Niagara becomes increasingly fragile. Yet, through compassion, collective effort, and the support of vital organizations like the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, each of us can help turn the tide. Whether you’re building shelters, providing nourishing food, reporting animals in distress, or dedicating your time as a volunteer, your actions create a powerful ripple effect that saves lives. Winter may bring harsh conditions, but with the warmth of community care and commitment, no animal has to face the season alone. To discover more ways to make a difference or to get involved, please visit the Humane Society of Greater Niagara’s website to explore adoption options, financial support opportunities, and volunteer programs. Together, we can offer hope and protection when it’s needed most.