Bucks County is now equipped with a state-of-the-art AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer 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 Bucks County Animal Response Team & Bucks County Emergency Services in a ceremony held yesterday. This is the 55th AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer rolled out nationwide.

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.

“Our club is proud to be a part of providing safety to Bucks County pets.”

Milan D. Lint ~ President of Hatboro Dog Club

“The first hours after a disaster occurs 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 give areas the effective pet sheltering solutions they need in trying times, and AKC Reunite is pleased to help communities across the nation prepare for such disasters.”

The purchase of the trailer was made possible by more than $22,000 in donations and grants from the Hatboro Dog Club, Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Dog Judges Association of America, and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“Bucks County has had an active Animal Response Team for many years and this new trailer greatly enhances their capability to serve the community. We are extremely grateful to these AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite for giving us such an important tool. The AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer will allow us to give our pets the care they need in times of disaster, giving Bucks County pet owners peace of mind,” said Scott Forster, Director of Emergency Services for Bucks County.

“We’re glad to help provide a safe haven for pets affected by disasters in Bucks County and surrounding areas,” said Wayne Ferguson, President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. “We’re dedicated to the safety of all pets, and committed to providing support in times of crisis.”

“Our club is proud to be a part of providing safety to Bucks County pets,” said Milan D. Lint, President of Hatboro Dog Club. “Giving back to the community is an important part of what we Pennsylvania dog clubs do and we’re glad to help bring this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer, which can provide meaningful support during the difficult times before and after a disaster.”

To join the Bucks County Animal Response Team, please email BucksCART@gmail.com

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.