The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides specic
temperature requirements for dogs kept in a variety of
housing structures. However, maintaining appropriate
temperatures alone may not be enough to ensure a
dog’s health and well-being. The following information
summarizes AWA temperature requirements and added
factors that you, as a licensee or registrant, must consider
in providing dogs with care that meets the AWA standards.
Temperature Requirements
by Housing Type
Indoor and Sheltered Housing
The temperature must not fall below 45 °F for more than
4 consecutive hours. For dogs that are not acclimated
to lower temperatures; breeds that are sensitive to the
cold (such as short-haired or toy breeds); and elderly,
young, sick, or injured dogs, the temperature must not
fall below 50 °F. All other dogs must have some method
of conserving body heat (such as dry bedding, solid
resting surfaces, heat lamps, or other provisions) if the
temperature is less than 50 °F.
Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 °F
for more than 4 consecutive hours. If the temperature
rises above 85 °F for any length of time, you must
provide additional ventilation such as fans, blowers, or air
conditioning. Providing ventilation does not replace the
requirement to prevent temperatures from rising above
85 ºF for more than 4 hours.
Outdoor Housing
Outdoor enclosures must provide adequate space, shelter
from the elements, and protection from temperature and
weather extremes. When the temperature is below 50 ºF,
outdoor shelters must contain clean, dry bedding. When the
temperature is below 35 ºF, dogs must have additional clean,
dry bedding of sucient quantity and material to absorb
excess moisture and allow “nestling” to conserve body heat
(such as straw, wood shavings, or blankets).
All dogs—including Arctic breeds such as the Alaskan
malamute or Siberian husky—are susceptible to temperature
extremes. Their shelter must oer protection from the wind;
cold; and exposure to rain, ice, and snow. This must include
a wind break and rain break at the entrance.
In addition, every dog must have access to adequate
shade outside of the enclosure to prevent overheating and
discomfort; shelters for outdoor dogs may become too warm
for them to remain inside if that is their only opportunity to
avoid direct sunlight.
Regardless of housing type, dogs must always have
continuous access to water. Dehydration can inhibit a dog’s
ability to regulate its body temperature, which puts it at
greater risk for heat stroke or hypothermia.
Temperature Requirements for Dogs
Animal Care Tech Note
Unless specically approved by the attending veterinarian,
outdoor housing is not allowed for dogs that are not
acclimated to the local temperatures; breeds that are heat-
or cold-intolerant; and elderly, sick, or very young dogs.
www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-welfare
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
APHIS-22-031 ▪ Issued July 2022
Preventing Temperature Stress
and Illness in Dogs
Despite housing dogs according to the requirements
outlined on the previous page, they may still experience
temperature-related stress or illness. To ensure your dogs’
health and well-being, you must also consider their ages,
breeds, overall health status, acclimation to the local
environment, and humidity. You must take appropriate
actions if they are showing signs of cold or heat stress.
Factors That Increase a Dog’s Risk for Temperature
Stress or Illness
Humidity over 70 percent (especially when combined
with high temperatures)
Poor body condition (over/under weight)
Age (elderly dogs and dogs under 6 months)
Pregnancy and nursing
Injuries and debilitating medical conditions
(especially a heart condition)
Breed (short-nosed breeds, such as the Pug, Pekingese,
Shih Tzu, various bulldogs, and others, are less heat
tolerant; smaller, short-legged breeds and short-hair or
hairless breeds are less cold tolerant)
Dehydration (can inhibit a dog’s ability to regulate its
own body temperature)
Acclimation (it can take anywhere from 7 to 60 days
for a healthy dog to acclimate to temperatures outside
the required range)
Signs of Temperature Stress and Illness
Below are observable signs that dogs show when they are
experiencing temperature-related stress and illness.
Discuss with your attending veterinarian how you can
prevent temperature stress, heat stroke, and hypothermia
in your dogs. If a dog shows any of the signs listed above,
contact your attending veterinarian immediately and follow
their instructions.
For More Information
Animal Care
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
2150 Centre Avenue, Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 494-7478
Heat Stress Cold Stress
Excessive panting, salivation,
or thirst
Restlessness, anxiety
Generalized weakness
Low rectal temperature:
• 90–99 ºF = needs immediate care
Mental depression, lethargy, weakness
Shivering or muscle stiness
Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
Reduced breathing rate, shallow
breathing
Heat Stroke Hypothermia
High rectal temperature:
• 104 ºF = moderate heat stroke;
needs immediate care
• 106 ºF = severe heat stroke
dire emergency
Vigorous or uncontrollable panting
Dark red, tacky, or dry gums and
mucous membranes
Thick salivation/foam at the mouth
Vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea
Dehydration
Unwilling/unable to rise
Trembling, dizziness, or
disorientation
Collapse, unconsciousness,
coma, seizures, and death
Low rectal temperature:
• 82–90 ºF = moderate hypothermia;
needs immediate care
• <82 ºF = severe hypothermia;
dire emergency
Stupor
Inaudible heart sounds
Labored breathing
Unconsciousness/coma
Fixed and dilated pupils
Death
