Syracuse pets will be a little safer now that the Onondaga Animal Response Team (OART) 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.

AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite, presented the trailer to local officials in a ceremony at the Salt City Cluster of Dog Shows.

The purchase of the trailer for the Onondaga Animal Response Team was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from Onondaga Kennel Association, Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Pet Haven Cemetery and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“What better way to celebrate our 100th year than to provide our community with the equipment needed to set up a safe pet disaster relief site.”

Dan Cunningham ~ Club President

“Safe, effective pet sheltering solutions in times of disaster are incredibly important, and AKC Reunite is helping communities across the nation prepare by mobilizing AKC Pet Disaster Relief,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “The trailer donated today would provide animal care services during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits Onondaga County or surrounding areas.”

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.

“The Onondaga Kennel Association recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and throughout the club’s history, the goal of its members has been to help the advancement of dogs and dog health, and to give back to our canine community,” said club president Dan Cunningham. “What better way to celebrate our 100th year than to provide our community with the equipment needed to set up a safe “Pet Disaster Relief” site. Dogs provide love, comfort and companionship while asking for nothing in return!”

“Onondaga County is committed to emergency preparedness and ensuring that responders have the necessary resources in the event of a disaster for not only citizens, but for pets and small animals as well,” said Dan Wears, Commissioner of Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management. “With the addition of the Small Animal Disaster Relief Trailer to the Onondaga County area, and thanks to the partnerships nationally and locally with the American Kennel Club, the capabilities of responders to take care of our constituency are further enhanced. With the additional capability in our region, we can ensure domesticated animals are included in our preparedness and response initiatives. Should the need arise, families will now be able to bring their pets with them to certain shelter locations if a weather or man-made event occurs.”

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.