AKC Pet Disaster Relief Rolls Out Help for Pets in Sonoma County, CA
AKC Reunite, the largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States, is pleased to announce that Sonoma County, CA is now equipped with an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer that will be available to dispatch to any disaster scene that needs assistance sheltering pets.
AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program that is dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in response to natural or civil disasters, joined forces with local American Kennel Club dog clubs and dog lovers to present an emergency trailer to Sonoma County Animal Services.
“We are grateful to AKC Reunite and all of the AKC dog clubs and pet organizations that contributed to provide us with such a substantial resource for our community.”
Brian Whipple ~ Sonoma County Animal Services
Sonoma County experienced the state’s largest fire in 2019. There was a devastating number of pets that became separated and lost from their owners as a result of sudden evacuation orders and people having to leave their homes at a moment’s notice. Resources like the AKC Reunite Pet Disaster Relief Trailer are vital for people evacuating with pets, as it allows the county to provide a safe place for people to bring their pets.
The AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets during the first 72 hours after a disaster is declared. The trailers house and deliver essential animal care items including crates and carriers, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner, bowls, collars and leashes as well as fans, lighting and a generator, cleaning supplies and maintenance items. 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.
“This is the 83rd trailer donated through the AKC Pet Disaster Relief program. This trailer will provide critically important resources to help Sonoma County Animal Services quickly care for community pets if disaster strikes,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “Safe, effective pet sheltering solutions are crucial during an emergency evacuation or immediately following a disaster, and AKC Reunite is pleased to offer this trailers as a vital tool to assist.”
The purchase of the trailers was made possible by donations from the Redwood Empire Doberman Pinscher Club, Mensona Kennel Club, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California, County-Wide Dog Training Club, Animal Shelter of Rohnert Park, Norwich Terrier Club of Northern California, Bloodhounds West – Northern Chapter, Redwood Empire Mastiff Club, Bulldog Club of Northern California, Redwood Empire Kennel Club and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.
“We are grateful to AKC Reunite and all of the AKC dog clubs and pet organizations that contributed to provide us with such a substantial resource for our community,” said Brian Whipple of Sonoma County Animal Services. “Now our organization is better prepared to help pets and pet owners during times of disaster”.
“Our Association is thrilled to be a part of the group to bring such invaluable tools like the AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Sonoma County,” said Lynn Malik of the Redwood Empire Doberman Pinscher Club and Mensona Kennel Club. “The trailer will equip their team with the tools necessary to assist their community in times of disaster”.
Learn more about how to get involved online with AKC Pet Disaster Relief or contact us at 919-816-3980 and relief@akcreunite.org.
