Severe winter weather events pose acute welfare risks to farmed animals, wildlife, and companion animals — with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of cold extremes in some regions.
Extreme cold welfare requires advance planning across all animal-keeping contexts. Farmed animals need adequate shelter, backup heating systems, and emergency response protocols. Companion animal owners should bring pets indoors and monitor outdoor animals closely. Wildlife agencies should have rehabilitation capacity for cold-stressed wildlife. Climate adaptation planning should incorporate animal welfare as a core component.