When disaster strikes, many people quickly realize that they have not made emergency plans for the shelter care of their pets. When they find themselves in such a situation, they are understandably hesitant to leave them behind. AKC Reunite, the City of Lynchburg and a number of community partners have worked to find a solution to this with the Regional AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer.

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 purchase of the trailer was made possible by more than $22,000 in donations and grants from the Dog Owners Training Club of Lynchburg, James River Kennel Club, Lake Forest Animal Hospital, VCA Boonsboro Animal Hospital, Peaks View Animal Hospital, Piedmont Veterinary Medical Association, American Tibetan Mastiff Association, Dog Judges Association of America, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Finnish Spitz Club of America, Siberian Husky Club of America and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

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.