Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter issues winter pet-care reminders
Published 10:41 am Monday, December 8, 2025
By Brittnee Bryant
Star Correspondent
With Old Man Winter’s arrival, Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter Director Shanon Posada shared important winter pet-safety tips with the Elizabethton Star.
“A general rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your pets,” she says.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, freezing temperatures and harsh conditions can lead to hypothermia and frostbite in animals. Some indicators that your pet is too cold to look for: if your pet is shivering, pacing or has snow and sleet on their coat.
“If at all possible, bring your pets inside, especially during the brutal cold,” says Posada.
For owners who must keep pets outdoors, she recommends winterizing shelters by using raised floors and straw to repel moisture. Insulated and igloo-style doghouses are best for maintaining warmth. Pets kept outdoors should always have food available, and owners should ensure their water bowls are not frozen.
Tennessee state law requires pet owners to provide their animals with food, water and shelter. If you suspect an animal is not receiving adequate care with these requirements, Posada urges you to call the shelter for animal control.
“We’re happy to do a welfare check and go and make sure that that animal has exactly what it needs,” she says.
In the case of animals needing to be surrendered, Posada urges the public to contact the shelter rather than leaving them somewhere. The animal shelter places emergencies, such as homelessness or owner crises (death, hospitalization, etc.), as top priority, but Posada says the shelter will work with you.
Beyond household pets, Posada also encourages the community to look after feral cats during winter months.
“Those cats need to have a warm place and food available to them as well,” she says. “If you know a feral community around you, please be kind to them and just drop them some food by, make sure their water’s not frozen.”
Posada says shelters for feral cats can be created with items like insulated coolers by cutting a hole in the top. She notes the shelter is happy to help anyone wanting to create a shelter for these animals.
Donations to the shelter, such as food, blankets and towels, are always welcome. To reach the shelter, call 423-547-6359. For updates, visit their Facebook page or the Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter Facebook page.
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