Ventura County is now equipped with two state-of-the-art AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers 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 owners 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 Ventura County Animal Services in a ceremony held yesterday.

The purchase of the two trailers were made possible by more than $44,000 in donations and grants from the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association, The County of Ventura, CA, Buenaventura Dog Training Club, Dog Judges Association of America, and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“Now, with two AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailers, our team will be able to help even more pets and pet owners during times of disaster.”

Bryan Bray ~ Field Operations Supervisor of the Ventura County Animal Services

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.

“When disasters hit a region, the first few hours are critical and this trailer will provide the shelter and supplies needed to care for animals 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.”

“We are grateful to these AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite for providing us such an important tool. Now, with two AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailers, our team will be able to help even more pets and pet owners during times of disaster.” said Bryan Bray, Field Operations Supervisor of the Ventura County Animal Services.

“Our club is proud to help provide a safe haven for Ventura County pets in the times of disaster,” said Linda Whisenhunt, President of the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association. “We’re dedicated to the safety of all animals, and we’re very pleased to help bring not one, but two, AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to the county. It is hoped that the trailers will provide much needed support to pets and pet owners during their time of need.”

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.