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, today donated its first-ever trailer in the state of Maryland. Members of the Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club presented the trailer to officials from Cecil County Department of Emergency Services in a ceremony at the Cecil County Administration Building.
“This new trailer will allow us to set up an extensive emergency shelter to assist pet owners during future natural disasters.”
Mark Sweitzer, Cecil County Department of Emergency Services Emergency Planner
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 Cecil County Department of Emergency Services was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club, Cecil County DES, the English Setter Association of America, the Schipperke Club of America Rescue & Health Foundation, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club and AKC Reunite.
“The Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club wanted to make it easier for our local community to help pet owners in times of disaster and our club members are very proud to donate this AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to Cecil County to assist in their future response efforts,” said Mary Lou Olszewski, member of the Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club.
Cecil County Department of Emergency Services Emergency Planner Mark Sweitzer said, “This new trailer will allow us to set up an extensive emergency shelter to assist pet owners during future natural disasters. We’re excited about our improved ability to care for our county’s pets and thank the members of the Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club and other donors for their efforts in helping us acquire an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.”
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.
