Protecting Your Dog During Tornadoes: Why Sheltering in Place Matters

When tornadoes loom, safeguarding your dog becomes critical. These practical steps help you and your pup stay calm and protected.

Heavy rain, hail, or sudden wind bursts may seem like a routine storm, yet they can herald a tornado. Dark, greenish skies and muffled sounds are classic warning signs. In such moments, immediate sheltering is essential—both for you and your canine companion.

Is the tornado threat growing?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado counts in the U.S. have risen in recent years. While the number of days with tornadoes is lower, they tend to cluster, boosting total events. The trend is shifting southward and toward the Midwest. For instance, the National Weather Service reported 12 tornadoes in the St. Louis region following severe weather in March 2025.

Canada is not exempt either. While prairie provinces are most known for tornadoes, outbreaks now also occur in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

Why staying put beats evacuating

A tornado can travel at an average of 30 mph, but wind speeds inside the funnel can exceed 150 mph, as the EF3 storm that struck St. Louis demonstrated. A vehicle moving at 30 mph obeys traffic lights—tornadoes do not. The unpredictable path and speed mean that attempting to leave can actually increase risk. In most cases, remaining in a safe indoor space is the smarter choice.

Steps to keep your dog safe during a tornado

Dion Studinski, a certified dog trainer and behaviorist, emphasizes that the foundation of emergency readiness is strong, predictable training. “When the world feels chaotic, dogs revert to familiar routines,” he says. “Teaching core behaviors helps regulate their emotional state and keeps them anchored to you.”

Identify a single, interior refuge—such as a basement, a small bathroom, or a windowless closet—and train your dog to seek it out on cue. Use a concise, consistent command like 'safe' or 'go to your spot'. Once reliable, practice moving the dog from various rooms, gradually adding mild stressors—faster movement or altered lighting—to build resilience.

Desensitize your dog to siren alerts

Many communities deploy sirens to signal severe weather. Repeated exposure to the sound at low volume during training can reduce fear. Jonathan Solis, another dog trainer, advises pairing the siren with calm cues. “Your own demeanor is a powerful signal to your pet; staying composed helps them remain calm.”

Using the basement as a safe zone

If you have a basement, it offers a larger interior space, but the open staircase can be intimidating. Gradual exposure—sitting on the lowest step and encouraging your dog to descend one step at a time—can help. Reward with high-value treats and leave a familiar bed or toy to create a positive association.

What if you’re away from home?

Two‑way audio cameras are increasingly affordable and can be installed throughout the house. Many models provide a 360° view and allow you to communicate with your dog. By giving the same "safe" cue remotely, you can reassure and direct your pup even if you can’t be physically present.

In short, tornadoes move unpredictably, making evacuation riskier than sheltering in a known, secure location. By training your dog to return to a designated safe spot, desensitizing them to sirens, and preparing a calm, consistent refuge, you’ll both stay calmer and safer until the storm passes.

About the author

Sandra Murphy lives in St. Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.

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