As winter approaches in Northern Virginia, we begin shifting gears to get our space and routines ready for the colder months. At a dog rescue in Virginia, winter preparation means much more than pulling out heavier jackets. It means making sure the dogs are warm, fed, and cared for when the temperature dips and the days get shorter. While the rest of the world turns cozy for the holidays, we roll up our sleeves and get to work behind the scenes.
Cold weather brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings a quieter, more thoughtful rhythm to our days. We check, tuck, patch, and plan, all to give every dog in our care the safe, warm winter season they deserve. Here is how we prepare.
Cold Weather, Warm Beds: Getting the Space Ready
Our first job as the chill sets in is making sure the dogs have a warm, draft-free place to rest. Even though many of our dogs spend time outside, they need indoor spaces where they can recover and feel protected when the cold bites.
We go through each kennel carefully to check for gaps where the wind might sneak through. Extra insulation, heavier bedding, and weatherproof covers all go into place. In outdoor areas, we:
- Line dog houses with hay for added warmth
- Cover openings with wind flaps made from heavy-duty tarps
- Add waterproof mats and raised platforms to keep paws off the cold ground
Overnight, we use safe space heaters in the main animal areas. During the day, we make sure doors stay closed and blankets stay dry, swapping them as needed. Fence checks also get top priority. We secure loose panels and check for areas that could blow open or become dangerous under snowfall or ice.
FOHA operates on 40 wooded acres in Aldie, giving dogs room to run and access to both heated indoor spaces and safe outdoor time all year, including winter. All dogs in our care receive full medical care, vaccinations, wellness checks, and microchipping, before finding their new families.
Food, Water, and Daily Routines in Winter
Feeding time changes once winter rolls in. Like people, dogs burn more calories when their bodies have to stay warm. For some of our dogs, that means larger or more frequent meals. We pay close attention to each dog’s condition and appetite, making adjustments if they show signs of weight loss or fatigue.
Water bowls are another big watch point. They can freeze faster than you might think, even in the early parts of December. Our team:
- Rotates water bowls more often
- Swaps in heated dishes for outdoor areas when needed
- Uses safe containers to keep food dry and free of pests
We try to keep our daily routine steady, even if the weather cuts outdoor time short. Indoor games, hallway walks, and short one-on-one time help break up the day. The dogs still need movement, just in safer, more controlled bursts when it is icy outside.
Health and Safety Checkpoints for Colder Months
Before winter fully settles in, we give every dog a full seasonal check. Older dogs are especially sensitive to cold, so we make sure any known health issues are under control. For all our dogs, we pay special attention to dry skin, sore joints, and signs of discomfort when outside.
Our cold weather checklist includes:
- Health updates on any dog over six years old
- Watching for limping, shivering, or excessive licking
- Avoiding long walks in icy or wet conditions
Salt on sidewalks can also be tough on paw pads. We wipe paws after outdoor walks and avoid freshly salted areas when we can. If a dog seems uncomfortable outside, we keep their breaks short and try to limit exposure by using coats or booties for extra-sensitive paws.
Volunteer Support and Extra Hands for the Season
One thing that helps us manage the winter stretch is all the kind people who show up to lend a hand. The holiday season tends to bring out more volunteers, and their extra time means a lot.
When outdoor walks are shorter, our volunteers shift to playing inside or spending quiet time in the indoor spaces. Just being present, brushing a dog, or sitting beside their crate gives them comfort.
Some give time by:
- Adding bonus walks on sunny days
- Helping clean bedding or organize supplies
- Giving one-on-one time to dogs who need connection
Volunteer schedules matter even more when the days are short. Reliable help keeps the dogs’ routines on track, and for many animals, that predictability helps reduce winter stress.
What Makes Winter Work Special at a Shelter
Winter might slow things down a bit, but it also opens up space for connection. With holidays around the corner and cold weather rolling in, those quiet indoor moments take on more meaning. A warm blanket, a bowl of food, and a gentle pat go a long way when it is freezing out.
We see it every day. A dog that arrives nervous slowly begins to settle. They find comfort in routine, safety in consistency, and peace in simple things, a nap near a warm spot, a volunteer’s quiet voice, or even a soft toy in their bed.
This is the season when community support feels the strongest. Whether it is someone stopping in to help or a family donating supplies, that sense of care brings light to the colder days. And the dogs feel it too.
A Season of Care Behind the Scenes
Winter is a busy time here, but it is also full of small, steady acts that keep things running. Getting ready is not about a big moment all at once. It is about putting in the work day by day, checking blankets, filling bowls, walking slowly across snow-covered paths so the animals stay safe and warm.
At a dog rescue in Virginia, this kind of care is what carries us through the coldest weeks. Thoughtful planning, regular routines, and help from kind hands shape the season into something quiet but meaningful. For the dogs, that may be the best gift of all.
At Friends of Homeless Animals, we embrace each season as an opportunity to care more deeply for our rescues, especially when winter covers Northern Virginia. Bringing a new companion home now can offer much-needed warmth and stability to a dog ready for a loving family. You will find many wonderful dogs waiting for a fresh start at our dog rescue in Virginia, each with their own personality and need for connection. Offering a safe place during the colder months truly changes lives, so contact us to start your winter preparation.
