Tornado Preparedness for Pet Owners in Overland Park, KS

When you’re a pet parent living in "Tornado Alley," concerns over tornadoes and other severe weather conditions are a reality. Your pets are looking to you to keep them safe, so need to know how to prepare for a dangerous weather season? We've got you. This blog will show you how to take extra precautions to help keep your pets safe should an emergency strike.

TORNADO SAFETY FOR PET OWNERS:

A 3-PHASE PLAN

Whether you're in Overland Park in Johnson County, or an area nearby, you'll need to be extra diligent if you're receiving tornado watches or warnings. Tornadoes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan ahead for your pets' safety. Keep VEG Overland Park in your contacts.

Call us anytime at (913) 297-3676 or come in to our emergency hospital at 6347 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS. No appointments taken; walk in and our ER-trained veterinarian will see your pet immediately.

When a tornado or any severe weather strikes, every second counts. Having a plan in place for your pets can make all the difference in keeping them safe. To help you prepare, we’ve broken down the key steps into three phases: what to do before, during, and after the tornado. 

Phase 1: Prep for a Tornado

First, make sure you know the location of your nearest VEG ER for Pets in case your pet needs urgent care. Remember, all VEG locations, including our Overland Park, KS location, are open 24 hours a day to help.

• Create an Emergency Kit: Pack a "go bag" with food, water, medications, a leash, and a familiar blanket or toy to help keep your pet calm. Keep your pet in a carrier if you use one when traveling.

• ID, Microchip & Emergency Plan: If you have a dog or cat, make sure they wear a collar with an up-to-date ID tag, and consider microchipping for extra protection if you get separated. Again, know the location of your nearest VEG so you’re prepared if your pet needs emergency care day or night.

• Designate a Safe Space: Identify a safe room in your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows, where you and your pets can take shelter. Keep their supplies there for easy access. The ASPCA recommends practicing calmly going to that spot together to make it a positive experience.

• Special Care for Special Creatures: Many exotic pets, like reptiles and small mammals, rely on consistent heat to stay healthy. Have a plan for keeping them warm if the power goes out, such as battery-powered heating pads, insulated enclosures, or backup generators.

• Have an Evacuation Plan: If your home isn’t tornado-safe, know where to go—whether it’s a friend’s house, a storm shelter, or a sturdy building. Plan ahead for pets, as not all shelters allow them. 

Phase 2: What to do with Pets During a Tornado

Yes, you can be "Kansas strong" during a tornado! When the storm hits, staying calm and keeping everyone safe, including your pets, is your top priority. Here’s what you can do to make sure pets stay as calm and secure as possible.

• Bring Pets Inside: At the first sign of severe weather, bring your pets indoors. Loud thunder and strong winds can make them anxious and more likely to run away.

• Keep Them Secure: Place cats in carriers and leash dogs to prevent them from bolting if they get scared.

• Stay Calm: Pets can sense your emotions. Speaking in a soothing voice and keeping a firm but gentle hold on them can help ease their stress.

Phase 3: Steps to Take After the Tornado

Once the storm has passed, check on your pets and make sure they’re safe and feeling secure. Here’s what you can do to help them adjust and get any care they might need.

• Check for Hazards: Downed power lines, broken glass, and debris can be dangerous for everyone, pets too. Inspect your surroundings before letting pets roam freely.

• Look for Signs of Stress: Trembling, hiding, or refusing food are common signs of anxiety in pets after a traumatic event. Give them time to readjust and provide plenty of hugs and comfort.

• Know Where to Go for Help: If you're having a pet emergency, such as your pet is injured or showing signs of distress, VEG Overland Park is open 24 hours with emergency veterinarians and staff ready to assist.

By preparing in advance and knowing what to do in each stage of the storm, you can help ensure your pets stay safe when severe weather strikes.

HELPING LOST PETS AFTER A TORNADO

If you live in Johnson County or anywhere in Kansas, you know that storms can be chaotic, and pets sometimes get separated from their families. If you find a lost pet, take them to a local GP veterinarian, shelter, or animal rehabilitation center to check for a microchip and help reunite them with their owner. If these options aren’t available, VEG ER for Pets can scan for a microchip.

VEG emergency animal hospital in Overland Park, Kansas is open 24 hours to provide compassionate urgent care for pets. If you find a stray pet that's injured or in distress, our ER-trained veterinarians and staff can provide immediate vet care.

OUR EMERGENCY VET HOSPITAL IN OVERLAND PARK IS OPEN 24 HOURS

Tornadoes can be stressful, especially when you're trying to keep your pets safe. Whether it's before, during, or after the storm, the key is being prepared. And if something goes wrong, VEG in Overland Park is here to help.

We're open 24 hours a day, ready for any emergency your pet might face. So, if you're out at places like Stoll Dog Park and your dog gets into trouble, don’t worry—just call or come right in. We're always open, seven days a week, providing high-quality medical care for pets. We treat all kinds of pets, including avians and reptiles, who are experiencing signs or symptoms, including:

• Injuries

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea Accidental ingestion

• Accidents and more

What about if your pet needs a surgery? We handle various types of surgery at VEG in Overland Park. Our veterinarians and vet staff are skilled at performing surgery to treat or correct injured or ill pets. Our emergency pet hospital in Overland Park has a surgical suite and accommodations for you, should your pet need to stay overnight.

At VEG, you never have to leave your pet's side. The vet staff at VEG is always here to help. Stay safe, stay calm, and remember, if your pet needs care, VEG is just a call or drive away. We've got your back.