Caroline County pets will be a little safer now that the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) and Caroline County Humane Society (CCHS) have 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.

The trailer was unveiled to the public by CCDES, CCHS and the local AKC dog club, Talbot Kennel Club.

The purchase of the trailer was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from the Talbot Kennel Club, the Caroline County Health Department and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“Many pet owners will try to ride out a disaster or emergency situation unless they know there is a safe, convenient sheltering option for their pet.”

Amanda Showell ~ Caroline County Humane Society

“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 Caroline County or surrounding areas.”

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.

“The goal of the members of Talbot Kennel Club is to give back to our canine community,” said AKC delegate Pam Helmer. “We were thrilled to partner with Caroline County to help provide the equipment needed to set up a pet shelter if disaster ever strikes.”

“Caroline County is committed to emergency preparedness and ensuring that responders have the resources needed to assist our citizens and their pets,” said Linda Woodall of the Caroline County Health Department. “We’ll be able to create shelter locations with the equipment from this trailer where pet owners will be able to safely bring their pets.”

“Many pet owners will try to ride out a disaster or emergency situation unless they know there is a safe, convenient sheltering option for their pet,” said Amanda Showell from the Caroline County Humane Society. “The addition of this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is another tool that will help our Caroline County Humane Society and its partner agencies remain prepared both during and after a catastrophe. We appreciate the support of the Talbot Kennel Club and AKC Reunite.”

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.