Linn County is now equipped with an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer that will be available to dispatch to any disaster scenes that need assistance sheltering pets.

AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program that is dedicated to keeping pets and their owner’s safe in the aftermath of natural or civil disasters, joined forces with local American Kennel Club dog clubs and dog lovers to present an emergency trailer to officials from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control.

AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. The trailers house and deliver essential supplies such as fans, lighting and generators; cleaning supplies; maintenance items; and animal care items including crates and carries, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner as well as bowls, collars and leashes. These supplies can be used as co-location shelters, where people can evacuate with their pets, as well as emergency animal shelters for displaced animals.

“We are grateful to these AKC clubs and AKC Reunite for providing us such an important tool for our community.”

Bruce Riley ~ Sheriff of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office

“The first few hours of a disaster are critical to care for animals and this trailer will provide the shelter and supplies needed and keep them safe,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers provide the impacted areas with safe and effective pet sheltering solutions, and AKC Reunite is pleased to offer an invaluable tool like the trailers to communities across the country.”

The purchase of the trailer was made possible by more than $22,000 in donations and grants from the Linn County Kennel Club, Standard Schnauzer Club of America, Linn County Government, Silver Falls Kennel Club, Chintimini Kennel Club, McKenzie Cascade Dog Fanciers, Clackamas Kennel Club and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“We are grateful to these AKC clubs and AKC Reunite for providing us such an important tool for our community. Now our team is better prepared to help pets and pet owners during times of disaster,” said Sheriff Bruce Riley, of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our club is proud to be a part of the group helping provide the county emergency services by bringing them an invaluable tool like the AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer,” said Harvey Mohrenweiser, Delegate of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America.

“We’re very pleased to help bring an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to the county. It is hoped that the trailer will provide much needed support to pets and pet owners during their time of need.” said Marge Nelson-Perez, President of the Linn County Kennel Club.

“With the addition of this trailer to the community, Linn County pet owners can be assured that their pets will have the best help available in the case of a disaster,” said Charlotte Cline, President of the McKenzie Cascade Dog Fanciers

Individuals, corporations and other interested parties can donate to trailer projects in local areas or across the country. Donations are tax deductible and accepted online. Approved organizations that raise a minimum of $1,000 will have their logo featured on the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.

Learn more about how to get involved online with AKC Pet Disaster Relief or contact us at 919-816-3980 and relief@akcreunite.org.