There are places much more north of me Don (alaska, yukon, NWT) that keep animals and have wildlife that thrives up there. When it gets really cold for extended times I baby my critters and can't stand to see them in distress so I always have a plan and are prepared in case. I find animals suffer far more in the heat and the bugs eat them alive if they're aren't smothered and bug spray etc. The deep cold can be harsh if it sticks around a long time but for the most part winter is easier on them than the summer.