12/06/2025
Cold Weather Emergency — Pennington County Humane Society
Temperatures are plunging and emergency requests are flooding in — weekly calls are at an all‑time high. Resources in our area are scarce and many people are struggling. We are working around the clock to triage and place life‑threatened animals as quickly as possible, but the need is overwhelming. We will not turn a blind eye to animals in danger. Still, we may not be able to respond immediately to unwanted animals that are currently safe and in a home. Please be patient with our team, we are doing our best.
This is our community’s responsibility — we all share the duty to protect animals and one another. If you see a neighbor, an elder, or a friend struggling, step in — a small act can save a life.
Immediate concerns
- Pups and kittens cannot regulate body temperature and are at extreme risk.
- Sick, injured, elderly, thin, or short‑coated animals are especially vulnerable.
- Outdoor‑only is NOT safe during severe cold.
What you can do right now to help
- Offer immediate indoor shelter — a garage, mudroom, or spare room can be lifesaving.
- Foster, transport, or volunteer to help neighbors get animals to safety.
- Donate urgently needed supplies: blankets, towels, kitten/puppy formula, high‑calorie food, heating packs with auto shut‑off.
Outdoor shelters — critical notes
- Use deep, dry straw (not blankets or hay). Straw insulates and stays dry; blankets and towels hold moisture and can freeze.
- Elevate shelters off the ground, add a waterproof roof and windbreak, keep entrances small and facing away from the wind.
- Check shelters daily for dampness, pests, or trapped animals.
- Keep water unfrozen — use insulated bowls or change water frequently.
- Never use unattended electric heaters in enclosed shelters.
Signs of dangerous cold exposure
- Violent shivering, extreme lethargy, slow/shallow breathing, pale or blue gums, stiff muscles, weakness, disorientation.
If you find a distressed animal
1. Move it to a warm, dry place immediately.
2. Wrap gently in warm blankets; avoid rapid rewarming for severe hypothermia.
3. Offer warm fluids only if the animal is alert and can swallow.
4. Contact a veterinarian or us right away.
Pet food pantry & donations
- We currently have food available — please reach out if you need help.
- If you can give, please donate now — supplies are critical and running low.
- If you have bales of straw to donate, please DM us.
Be good people — look out for each other and the animals among us. Every warm bed, every donation, every rescued animal matters.
For help or to offer assistance: 218-681-8045
