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Winter in Niagara brings snow-covered sidewalks, freezing temperatures, and shorter days, all of which can create unique challenges for pets and the people who love them. Whether you’re caring for a dog, cat, or small animal, understanding how winter weather affects their health and safety is a key part of responsible pet ownership. 

At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN), winter is one of our busiest seasons. From helping stray animals find warmth to educating the community on seasonal pet care, we know that a little preparation can go a long way. Here’s what every pet owner should know to keep animals safe, warm, and healthy throughout the colder months.

When we think of homelessness or housing insecurity, we often picture a person searching for a safe place to sleep. But this complex issue affects more than just people—it deeply impacts their animal companions, too. Pets are often the overlooked victims of housing instability, caught in the painful space between the need for shelter and the unbreakable bond they share with their owners. As a Niagara humane society, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara recognizes how vital it is to keep families—both human and animal—together. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness who have pets, and highlight how animal welfare organizations and community programs can help ensure that no one is forced to choose between a roof over their head and the companion they love. 

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’llexplore 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.