What to Do for Strays in the Winter/Cold Months

At any given time, an estimated 70 million stray and feral dogs and cats roam the United States. These animals can be found in cities, suburbs, and rural communities—each facing intense challenges as temperatures drop. For many, access to food, water, and safe shelter during the winter months determines whether they survive.

The good news: small, thoughtful actions from individuals can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how you can support stray animals in your area during harsh winter weather.

1. Contact local rescue groups and animal control first

If you notice a stray dog or cat, your first step should be to reach out to local shelters, rescue organizations, and animal control. They may already be tracking a known group of free-roaming animals, or they may have the capacity to pick up the dog or cat.

However, winter is one of the busiest seasons for shelters, and response times may be slow due to limited staffing and resources. If help isn’t immediately available—or if the animal is at risk—you may need to consider additional steps from the list below.

2. Consider taking the animal in (if it’s safe and sustainable)

Just because a shelter is aware of an animal doesn’t mean they can retrieve it quickly. And just because a cat is feral doesn’t mean it can withstand extreme temperatures. If you feel safe approaching the animal, and you’re able to take on the responsibility, you may consider bringing the dog or cat inside temporarily.

If choosing this route:

• Use patience and caution—never force contact with a fearful animal.
• Keep them separated from your own pets at first.
• Use the PetDesk app to schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible to check for underlying conditions, update vaccinations, and scan for a microchip.

3. Seek veterinary care and learn about TNR programs

If you’re able to safely trap or transport a stray, veterinary care is essential. In addition to scanning for a microchip, a veterinarian can help assess overall health, provide parasite control, and offer short-term guidance on caring for the animal.

For outdoor cats, rescue organizations strongly promote Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. TNR is considered the most humane and effective method for stabilizing and reducing feral cat populations.

A standard TNR process includes: 

• Humanely trapping the cat
• Spaying or neutering
• Vaccination
• Ear-tipping (the universal sign a cat has been through TNR)
• Returning the cat to its original outdoor habitat

Important in winter: Avoid trapping cats during severe cold unless they can be returned to a warm, insulated shelter while recovering. Returning a groggy or healing cat to freezing conditions is unsafe.

4. Provide outdoor shelters that can withstand cold weather

If bringing an animal indoors isn’t possible, you can still make a major impact by offering a simple, insulated shelter.

Key tips for building a winter-ready shelter:

• Use a sturdy container (cardboard, plastic tote, insulated bin).
• Line with straw, not blankets or towels—straw repels moisture and stays warm; fabric freezes when wet.
• Make the shelter small enough for body heat to build up.
• Elevate it slightly using bricks, pallets, or boards to avoid ground moisture.
• Tilt the roof or top slightly to encourage rainfall and snow melt to run off.
• Position the opening away from wind and precipitation.

For long-term support, many outdoor cat caretakers use professionally manufactured, heated shelters, which are widely available online.

If you have a secure space like a garage, shed, or barn, consider cracking the door to create a temporary warm refuge—but only if the environment is safe and free of hazards.

5. Offer food and unfrozen water

Winter is a time of scarcity for stray animals. Providing fresh food and unfrozen water can dramatically improve their ability to survive cold temperatures.

Best practices:

• Use dry food, as wet food freezes quickly.
• Place water in deep, insulated bowls or use heated water dishes if possible.
• Refresh water often; check for ice multiple times per day.
• Keep all food and water outside the shelter, not inside. Spilled water inside can turn a warm shelter into a freezer.

A well-fed, hydrated animal is far better equipped to fight the cold and fend off illness.

6. Check your car for hidden animals

During winter, outdoor cats frequently seek warmth under vehicles and inside engine compartments. Before starting your car:

• Tap the hood
• Knock on the wheel wells
• Look underneath
• Open the hood if you suspect movement

This simple habit can prevent severe injuries or fatalities.

Small actions add up!

While no one can help every stray animal, small acts of compassion absolutely save lives. Whether you’re building a shelter, supplying food, contacting local rescues, or participating in TNR efforts, your involvement makes the winter season safer for the animals who live in your community.