A Winter Guide from Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL)
When temperatures drop, animals—just like people—need extra protection, warmth, and care. Whether living in a home, a rescue, a shelter, or with someone experiencing homelessness, pets depend on us to keep them safe through the coldest months of the year.
At OBOL, we provide thousands of blankets, warm bedding, coats, and comfort items to ensure no animal is left out in the cold. Below are our top winter safety tips to help every pet stay cozy, healthy, and protected this season.
❄️ 1. Limit Outdoor Time & Watch the Weather
If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.
Pets can develop frostbite on their paws, ears, and tails quickly—especially smaller breeds, seniors, or animals with thin coats.
OBOL Tip: Keep walks shorter on freezing days and plan potty breaks around the warmest times of day.
🐾 2. Protect Those Paws
Cold ground, ice, snow, and rock salt can burn or irritate paws.
After every walk, wipe your pet’s paws to remove salt, chemicals, and moisture.
OBOL Tip: Consider pet-safe booties or apply a paw balm for extra protection.
🧥 3. Add Layers for Warmth
Not all pets can regulate their body temperature in cold weather.
Short-haired dogs, senior pets, and animals with medical conditions may need a sweater or coat.
OBOL Tip: Clothing should fit snugly but not tight, and always remove wet layers immediately.
🚗 4. Never Leave Pets Alone in Cars
Cars act like refrigerators in winter, trapping cold air and putting pets at serious risk.
Just as in summer, leaving a pet in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes—is dangerous.
OBOL Tip: When traveling, take your pet with you or leave them safely at home.
🌬️ 5. Create a Cozy, Draft-Free Sleeping Space
Even indoors, pets need warm places to rest.
Hard floors draw out body heat, and older animals especially feel temperature changes.
OBOL Tip: Provide thick blankets, raised beds, or soft bedding away from cold windows and drafts.
(Blankets are one of OBOL’s most requested items every winter!)
🍲 6. Keep Pets Nourished & Hydrated
Cold temperatures burn more energy, especially for animals spending time outdoors.
Make sure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water and enough nutritious food.
OBOL Tip: Outdoor community cats or dogs benefit from slightly increased portions in winter.
☠️ 7. Watch for Seasonal Dangers
Winter household products can be toxic to pets:
- Antifreeze
- Ice-melting salts
- Rodent poisons
- Certain de-icers
OBOL Tip: Store chemicals securely and use pet-safe ice melt when possible.
🐱 8. Check Under Your Car: “Tap the Hood”
Cats often crawl under cars or into wheel wells seeking warmth from engines.
Before starting your car, knock on the hood or tap the sides to ensure no animals are hiding there.
OBOL Tip: Be extra cautious after snow or freezing nights.
🛏️ 9. Provide Outdoor Animals With Shelter
If you care for community cats or know someone whose pet lives primarily outdoors, warm shelter is essential.
A proper winter shelter should:
- Be elevated off the ground
- Be insulated with straw (not towels or blankets that hold moisture)
- Have a small doorway covered with a flap
- Stay dry at all times
OBOL Tip: OBOL donates blankets, bedding, and supplies to help keep outdoor animals safe and warm.
10. Support Pets of People Experiencing Homelessness
Pets living with unhoused individuals need regular access to warm bedding, sweaters, food, and basic supplies.
OBOL works year-round to support these pet families through our Pets of the Homeless and Veterans Services programs.
OBOL Tip: Donate blankets, coats, pet food, and carriers—every item helps a family stay together safely through winter.