10/24/2026
Fetching donated straw to the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter today! It’s to help kick off their cold weather campaign. Grab some for your pup while supplies last!!
Do you have a dog house or straw that you can donate??
Shelter director Shannon Posada is urging the community to take steps NOW to keep pets safe amid dangerously cold weather BEFORE the extreme cold hits. 🥶
As the temperature plummets in the region, the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter sees a marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who have been left outside with no food or shelter.
Area shelters are joining Humane World for Animals in recommending the following steps to help keep pets safe amid dangerously cold weather:
🏠 Keep pets sheltered.
Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. If a dog is outdoors much of the day for any reason, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat.
👉The floor should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.
❄️Bundle up, wipe down.❄️
No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. For this reason, short-haired dogs often feel more comfortable wearing a sweater—even during short walks. Rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
⚠️Remove common poisons.⚠️
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep it, like all household chemicals, out of reach. Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter due to the rock salt used in many areas—often when licking it from their paws after a walk. Store de-icing salt in a safe place and wipe your dog’s paws, even after short walks. If your dog ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.
🐾Protect outdoor animals.🐾
If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy to give them a hand with these tips. Cars are one of many hazards to small animals—warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
📢Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold without sufficient protection.
Tennessee law requires owners to provide outdoor dogs with an enclosed shelter adequate to maintain their body temperature. Some people genuinely don’t know the risk that cold weather poses to their animals and will be quick to correct any problems addressed politely. If neglect becomes a concern, report it to the proper authorities.
