January and February can be some of the most dangerous months for pets. With the holidays over and harsh winter weather setting in, many pets struggle to adjust to colder temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. In recent weeks, much of North America has experienced severe snow and ice storms not seen in years, making daily routines and pet care more challenging than usual.

Winter weather poses serious risks for pets, including frostbite, paw injuries, slipping on ice that can cause muscle or joint injuries, fear-based reactions, exposure to toxic chemicals like rock salt, ice melt and antifreeze, and an increased risk of pets dying from freezing. These factors make January a time to greatly worry for all lost pets across the country.

Below are the top five reasons pets go missing in January and February, and what pet parents can do to help prevent it.

During January and February, winter storms become more frequent, leading to snow removal, package deliveries, and repeated door openings. These moments create opportunities for pets to slip outside unnoticed, especially during snow cleanups or emergency situations.

How to keep pets safe during winter storms:

• Double-check doors and gates during snow removal
• Keep pets secured indoors during plowing and shoveling
• Make sure your pet always wears a visible, engraved SmartTag ID

If a pet does escape, SmartTag helps support faster reunification through a secure online database and a live support team available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Darkness arrives earlier, making pets harder to see outdoors. Low visibility increases the risk of pets wandering off unnoticed or being difficult to locate if they slip out.

Winter safety tips for low visibility:

• Use reflective collars, jackets, or accessories
• Always keep dogs leashed during nighttime walks
• Consider protective gear like boots or coats for added comfort

Outdoor cats are also harder to spot in winter conditions. They should have access to warm, dry shelter, fresh unfrozen water, and a collar with visible ID in case they wander.

Snowplows, snow blowers, wind, and ice can all trigger fear responses in pets. Loud or unfamiliar sounds may cause pets to panic, hide, or bolt through an open door. Snow and ice also increase the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries.

How to reduce winter fear risks:

• Keep pets indoors during active snow removal
• Clear safe walking paths on your property
• Use pet-safe ice melt and wipe paws after walks

In stressful situations, fear can override training, making identification crucial if a pet runs off unexpectedly.

Once the holidays end, families return to work and school schedules. Pets who were used to constant attention may experience boredom, anxiety, or curiosity, increasing the chance of escape or mischievous behavior.

Prevention tips:

• Re-establish consistent daily routines
• Provide enrichment and exercise indoors
• Check fences, gates, and doors after storms

Extra attention and structure can help pets adjust safely during this transition.

One of the biggest reasons pets remain missing longer in winter is outdated or missing identification. Shelters may not be able to contact owners immediately; microchips are not always scanned right away, and collars without tags can delay reunions.

Protect your pet by ensuring they have:

• An implanted and registered microchip ID
• A visible SmartTag ID tag with current contact information
• An active digital profile and protection plan at IDTag.com

Visible ID is often the fastest way to reunite a lost pet with their family. One in three companion animals are lost at some point during their lives!