With thick fur and a long tail, snow leopards are built for winter weather.
"They have obviously a lot of fur and tails that act as a scarves. So they can wrap it around their bodies to keep warm," said Maggie Morse, senior director of animal care at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Keeping animals comfortable during severe weather is a major effort. Staff members prepare ahead of storms by reviewing the unique needs of each species.
"We're having a lot of meetings where we're going to prepare for the upcoming storm, going over what each individual animal's needs," Morse said.
Inside the zoo's reptile house, Beefcake, the common chuckwalla, is basking under a heat lamp, where temperatures can reach as high as 140 degrees.
Cold weather concerns extend beyond the zoo to pets at home. At Philadelphia Animal Hospital, Dr. Leia Chung is reminding dog owners to watch for hazards such as salted sidewalks, which can irritate and injure paws.
"It will mostly be like a burning sensation for them, the paws will get red," Chung said.
Weather conditions should also factor into daily routines. For dogs with short fur, jackets are encouraged, and walks should be kept brief during harsher conditions.
"Five-minute potty breaks three times a day," Chung advised.
Veterinarians say a simple rule applies during winter weather: if you're cold, your pet probably is too.