Keep dogs, cats and small pets warm and safe when the heat is out. Indoor shelter, bedding, food and water, what to avoid, and a plan to leave.
- Bring pets indoors and share one warm room with the household, with blankets and a raised bed.
- Never use a barbecue, camp stove, grill or generator indoors, since carbon monoxide harms pets and people.
- Keep food, water, medication and a plan for a pet friendly place to stay, and call your vet if a pet seems unwell.
When the heat goes out in winter, pets depend on you. This guide covers what Canadian government guidance says and which common shortcuts are dangerous.
Bring pets indoors and keep them close
The Government of Canada says to bring pets indoors during severe weather and never leave them outside or tethered during a storm. In a cold outage, choose one room for the whole household, pets included, and shut the door to hold in warmth.
Warm bedding and one shared room
Blankets and towels are part of the official pet kit lists. Raise beds off the floor, since cold air settles low. A crate or carrier helps an animal keep its own heat: drape a blanket over part of it but leave one side open for air. Small, short haired, older and very young animals struggle first. If a pet is shivering, lethargic or reluctant to move, call your vet.
What not to do
Never warm a room with a barbecue, camp stove, charcoal grill or generator indoors or in a garage. They release carbon monoxide, which harms people and pets. Keep candles away from animals and use battery lights. Electric heating pads are useless without power, and should not go on a pet unless a vet says so.
Food, water and bathroom needs
Keep at least 72 hours of food and water per animal: about 4 L (1 gal) a day for an average dog and 1 L (1 qt) for a cat. Check that water has not frozen. Keep litter, bags and paper towels on hand, and keep outdoor trips short and on a leash.
A plan to leave
Pack medication, your vet's number, vaccination records and a recent photo. Most evacuation shelters accept only service animals, so line up a pet friendly hotel, boarding place or friend. See the pet go bag checklist.
Quick answers
Can I leave my pet outside in a winter outage?
The Government of Canada says to bring pets indoors during severe weather and never leave them outside or tethered during a storm.
How much water does a pet need?
About 4 L (1 gal) per day for an average dog and 1 L (1 qt) for an average cat.
Can I use a heater or heating pad?
Electric items do not work without power and indoor burners are unsafe. Ask your vet before using any warming item on a pet.