Raleigh, NC — AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC Reunite and dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other natural or civil disasters, just donated its first-ever trailer in the state of Kentucky. Members of the Lexington Kennel Club presented the trailer to officials from Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society in a ceremony held on May 17th, 2014 at the Lexington Humane Society’s 17th annual Mutt Strut.

“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.”

Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO

AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 50 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. Co-location shelters, where people can evacuate with their pets, as well as emergency animal shelters for displaced animals can be created. 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, microchips and a scanner as well as bowls, collars and leashes.

The purchase of the trailer for Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from the Lexington Kennel Club, American Spaniel Club, American Boxer Club, Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Spinone Club of America, Canaan Dog Club of America, Great Dane Club of America and AKC Reunite.

“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 Lexington or surrounding areas.”

“The Lexington Kennel Club is proud to help donate this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society, providing these agencies with another tool to help local pets in times of disaster,” said Lexington Kennel Club’s Scott Holmes.

Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management’s Patricia Dugger said, “This new trailer will allow us to quickly and easily set up a temporary shelter for pets during future natural disasters. We’re excited about our improved ability to care for our county’s pets and thank the members of the Lexington Kennel Club and other donors for their efforts in helping us acquire an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.”

“The Lexington Humane Society is honored to accept this trailer on behalf of the local government and city’s animals.  Thank you to everyone who was involved in obtaining this trailer and the vital supplies included,” said Madison Carey, Director of Development for the Lexington Humane Society. “In the event of a disaster, this trailer will help us save many animal lives.  We’re thrilled we were able to showcase the trailer at our Mutt Strut fundraiser where hundreds of pet owners were able to view it and learn about disaster preparedness for pets.”

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.