Tucson pets will be a little safer now that the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSAZ) has obtained an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer, an emergency trailer that helps create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. Steve Kozachik, Tucson Ward 6 Council Member, Sharon Bronson, Pima County District 3 Representative and Jan Lesher, Assistant County Administrator will show their support for the new trailer by attending its unveiling on June 24th at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

The trailer’s purchase was made possible by more than $22,000 in donations from members of the American Kennel Club’s local clubs, including the Tucson Kennel Club, Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club, Madera Canyon Kennel Club, Coyote Classic Dog Shows, the Dalmatian Club of Greater Phoenix, the Arizona Shar-Pei Club of Phoenix, the Palo Verde Golden Retriever Club, the Sporting Dog Association of Arizona and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, as well as the Stewards Club of Arizona, Marki-Seneca Standard Schnauzers, Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Medical Security Card Company, LLC, and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“We are grateful that The Humane Society of Southern Arizona was chosen to receive this life-saving gift.”

Pat Hubbard ~ Humane Society of Southern Arizona

“This trailer will provide animal care services during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits southern Arizona,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “Safe, effective pet sheltering solutions in times of disaster are incredibly important, and AKC Reunite is pleased to help communities across the nation prepare by mobilizing AKC Pet Disaster Relief.”

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 that The Humane Society of Southern Arizona was chosen to receive this life-saving gift,” said Pat Hubbard of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. “Over the years we have been dispatched to numerous situations that have required us to provide temporary housing and care for companion animals. This disaster relief mobile unit is extremely well stocked and ready to be used for any expedited response.”

“The AKC dog clubs in the Tucson area wanted to help our local community and its pets be prepared for any disaster and its aftermath,” said Marianne Stephens, Vice President of the Tucson Kennel Club. “We are all very proud to donate this trailer to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to assist in their future disaster response efforts.”

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.