The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides specific 

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 sufficient 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 offer 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 specifically approved by the attending veterinarian, 

outdoor housing is not allowed for dogs that are not 

acclimated to the local temperatures; breeds that are heator cold-intolerant; and elderly, sick, or very young dogs.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-welfare 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

animalcare@usda.gov

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 stiffness

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