Crates, carriers, hutches, travel kennels, and barns all feel colder in winter. Whether your pet sleeps in a crate indoors, travels in a carrier, or shelters in an enclosure, comfort and warmth make a huge difference during January’s cold snaps. Adjusting bedding, location, and airflow ensures every species stays safe and relaxed.
Start with insulation. Add fleece blankets, thick pads, or insulated crate liners to help retain warmth. Make sure bedding stays dry—moisture quickly amplifies cold discomfort. Cats love enclosed carriers lined with soft blankets, while rabbits need deep hay layers to stay warm. Horses, goats, and chickens also benefit from deep bedding in stalls and coops.
Check drafts and placement. Keep crates and carriers away from doors, windows, and vent blasts. Cold air sneaks under doors and chills pets who sleep close to the ground. Move crates a few inches off tile floors or place them on rugs for extra warmth. Barns and coops also need draft protection without sacrificing ventilation.
Add calming comforts. A familiar toy, a stuffed animal, or an item with your scent can help pets relax. If your pet gets anxious in carriers during winter, practice short, positive sessions indoors. Even barn cats appreciate warm, cozy carrier setups before rides to the vet or grooming visits.
Monitor temperature changes. Homes fluctuate more in winter—furnaces cycle, fireplaces heat unevenly, and exterior walls cool quickly. Check bedding daily and adjust as needed. Outdoor enclosures require the same care: fresh bedding, windbreaks, and dry floors make a world of difference.
If you need crate pads, warming mats, soft bedding, or carrier comfort inserts, The Hungry Puppy stocks options for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small livestock. Cozy accommodations help every species thrive through the coldest weeks.