Winter Evacuation Planning: A Cold-Weather Essential With AnimalKeepers 

Winter has a way of turning ordinary routines into urgent situations, often with very little warning. For animal keepers, cold weather brings more than just snow and ice. Power outages, blocked roads, frozen water supplies, and limited access to veterinary care can all create dangerous conditions for animals in a matter of hours. The difference between a close call and a crisis often comes down to preparation. 

Since 2017, McNeil & Company has worked alongside animal-focused organizations, professionals, and facilities to help them anticipate risk before it escalates. Winter evacuation planning is one of the most important steps animal keepers can take to protect both animals and operations during the coldest months of the year. 

Why Winter Emergencies Are Different for Animals 

Animals experience winter differently than people do. While humans can add layers or relocate quickly, animals depend entirely on their caregivers for warmth, hydration, shelter, and mobility. Cold stress can increase nutritional needs, frozen pipes can eliminate access to drinking water, and snow or ice can delay emergency response when it’s needed most. 

Winter storms also tend to disrupt infrastructure, electricity, transportation, and communication, at the same time. For facilities housing multiple animals or specialized species, even short interruptions can create serious welfare concerns if there isn’t a plan in place. 

Planning Ahead Reduces Panic and Protects Lives 

An effective winter evacuation plan isn’t built during a storm; it’s built weeks or months earlier. The goal is to reduce last-minute decisions and ensure everyone involved knows exactly what to do when conditions deteriorate. 

Start by identifying winter-specific risks unique to your location and animals in your care. This could include prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, flooding from ice melting, or extended power loss. Once risks are identified, outline clear response steps for each scenario, including who is responsible for animal transport, supply management, and communication. 

Emergency kits should be seasonally appropriate. In winter, this means accounting for higher calorie needs, thermal bedding, backup heat sources (where safe), medications, and several days’ worth of food and water. Animal records, medical histories, identification details, and emergency contacts should be accessible in both physical and digital formats. 

Evacuation Plans Should Be Realistic, Not Reactive 

Evacuation planning goes beyond knowing when to leave; it requires knowing where you’ll go and how you’ll get there. Not all emergency shelters accept animals, and even fewer are equipped for animals with specialized needs. 

Animal keepers should identify safe havens well in advance, whether that includes boarding facilities, partner organizations, or trusted individuals outside the immediate risk area. Transportation logistics matter, too. Weather conditions may limit vehicle access, so backup routes and transport options should be considered. 

A buddy system is another critical safeguard. Designating someone who can check on animals or assist with evacuation if primary caregivers are unavailable adds an extra layer of protection during unpredictable conditions. 

Preparation Is a Form of Care 

Winter evacuation planning is ultimately an extension of animal welfare. It demonstrates foresight, responsibility, and a commitment to protecting animals even when circumstances are challenging. From frozen nights to fast-moving storms, winter will always bring uncertainty, but preparation turns uncertainty into manageable risk. 

By planning, animal keepers not only protect the animals entrusted to them, but also strengthen operational resilience and reduce the likelihood of preventable losses. In cold weather, preparation isn’t optional— it’s essential.