Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias

What this means

On October 7, 2026, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries announced three no-charge, first-come livestock shelters ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias: the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association in Troy, Houston County Farm Center in Dothan and R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion in Autaugaville. The department said evacuated livestock would be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection and told owners to call the facility before traveling, bring animal records, identification and care supplies, and use other arrangements for pets and companion animals.

Official release

Source material from Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

October 7, 2026October 7, 2026 jmiller

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias, forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall on Friday evening, October 9, along the Northern Gulf Coast, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Isaias will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.

These shelters are only equipped to shelter livestock, not pets or companion animals such as dogs or cats. Please contact the facility before traveling with livestock to confirm their ability to accommodate the animals and specific requirements for their facility. Livestock owners will not be charged for the use of shelters but keep in mind that facilities are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Available shelters include:

Pike County Cattleman's Association

4100 US HWY 231 South

Troy, AL 36081

Contact: Dick Barnett: (334)-670-1228

Houston County Farm Center

1701 E. Cottonwood Road

Dothan, Alabama 36301

Contact: Tony Ellison: (334) 793-4323 ext.: 104

R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion

2224 AL Highway 14 West

Autaugaville, Alabama 36003

Contact: Lee Pittman: (334) 850-7994

When evacuating, it is important for livestock owners to be prepared to care for their animals while they are away. Please be sure to bring the following items with you:

Current list of all animals, including their records of feeding, vaccinations, and tests. Make sure that you have proof of ownership for all animals.

Supplies for temporary identification of your animals, such as plastic neckbands and permanent markers to label your animals with your name, address, and telephone number.

Handling equipment such as halters and appropriate tools for each kind of animal.

Water, feed, and buckets. Tools and supplies needed for sanitation.

For questions or concerns about sheltering livestock during hurricane evacuation, contact ADAI Emergency Programs Director Taylor Ellis at 334-240-7279 or email taylor.ellis@agi.alabama.gov.

Release text attributed to Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.