Pets in Sumter County and the surrounding areas will be a little safer now that the Sumter Humane Society (SHS) has 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.
AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC dog clubs, AKC Reunite, and the Sumter Humane Society unveiled the trailer to the public during the Arts in the Park event held in Americus.
The purchase of the trailer for the Sumter Humane Society was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from The Labrador Retriever Club, the Dog Judges Association of America, the Sumter Humane Society and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.
“The AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer will be a tremendous asset to our community.”
Ruth Olson ~ Sumter 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 Sumter County or surrounding areas.”
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.
“I am so pleased that the Sumter Humane Society now has the ability to assist our community members with the care of their pets in the event of a disaster. Saving lives and reducing the suffering of companion animals is our number one goal and we now have the ability and the equipment to rescue pets that have been displaced from their homes during an emergency, care for them, and return them back to their families,” said Ruth Olson of the Sumter Humane Society. “I sincerely thank the AKC, Mr. Bruce Hall for bringing the proposal to us, The Labrador Retriever Club and the Dog Judges Association of America for helping us fund the purchase. The AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer will be a tremendous asset to our community.”
“Our members wanted to make it easier for pet owners to keep their dogs safe in times of disaster, so we’re very proud to donate this AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to Sumter county area to assist in their future response efforts,” said Lyn Yelton and Bruce Hall from The Labrador Retriever Club.
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.
