Tornadoes can be an unfortunate reality in parts of Tennessee. The people in Fayetteville know that when a tornado warning goes out, every second matters. While most people have a plan for sheltering themselves, pets and livestock can sometimes be left out of that plan. Fayetteville Animal Clinic believes that tornado preparedness should include every member of your family, from cats and dogs in your home to horses and cattle in the field.

Sheltering Household Pets During a Tornado

Tornadoes may strike quickly, leaving little time to react. Dogs and cats may panic, slipping out of doors or hiding in unsafe areas. Taking steps in advance lessens the chance of injury to your pets.

Create a Safe Room
Designate a tornado-safe area in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room without windows. Keep carriers, leashes, or crates ready in that room at all times.

Have Emergency Supplies On Hand
Your tornado shelter room should have pet supplies stored and ready. Be sure to check supplies regularly to swap out anything that has expired or is about to expire.

• Pet food and bottled water for 3+ days
• Medications and veterinary records
• Sanitation supplies (waste bags, litter, pet-safe cleaning wipes)
• A pet first aid kit
• Comfort items such as blankets or toys

Practice Before the Storm
Pets may resist being moved in stressful situations. Practice bringing them into your tornado safe room during calm times so the process is familiar.

Sheltering Horses and Livestock During a Tornado

Horses, cattle, and other livestock often face even greater risks than household pets as they must be left unprotected in pastures or barns, where flying debris and fallen structures can cause injury. Sheltering in place with a plan for all your animals increases their safety during severe weather.

Safe Structures
If a sturdy, tornado-safe barn or shelter is available, you may bring livestock inside before severe weather hits. The barn should be free of loose items or debris that could become dangerous projectiles. Never leave an animal tied up inside.

Open Pastures as an Alternative
Open pastures may be safer than small enclosures. Move animals to areas away from trees, fencing, or power lines. This reduces the risk of injury from collapsing structures or flying debris. Wire fencing can be dangerous during tornadoes if fleeing livestock become tangled, so consider other options.

Identification for Livestock
Use durable identification such as ear tags or livestock-safe paint markings. Keep recent photos of your animals and documentation for proof of ownership if separation occurs.

Emergency Feed and Water
Flooding or debris may contaminate supplies after a tornado. Keep a backup stock of hay, feed, and clean water in secure storage.

Veterinary Care After the Storm

Once the storm passes, hazards remain. Broken glass, downed wires, sharp debris, and contaminated water can all harm pets and livestock. Keep pets leashed when outside and check barns, fences, and pastures for damage before turning animals out again.

Monitor animals for signs of injury, shock, or stress, and seek veterinary care if needed. Fayetteville Animal Clinic does provide emergency care for both small animals and livestock affected by storm damage, from smoke inhalation to wounds caused by debris.

Routine veterinary care is an important part of preparedness. Updated vaccinations and health checks ensure your animals are strong and healthy in case relocation is needed. Microchipping for pets and proper identification for livestock improve the chances of recovery if animals become separated.

Get Pets and Livestock Tornado-Ready in Fayetteville, TN

Tornadoes move fast, but with preparation, you can give pets and livestock as much protection as possible. Be ready to keep every member of your household safe during storm season. Fayetteville Animal Clinic has comprehensive veterinary care for cats, dogs, horses, cattle, and farm animals in Fayetteville and from surrounding Tennessee areas such as Huntsville and Petersburg. Do you have a tornado preparedness plan for your pets and livestock? Schedule an appointment for preventive veterinary care and guidance.