Middle Tennessee counties are now equipped with a state-of-the-art AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer that will be available to dispatch to disaster scenes that need assistance sheltering pets. AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite that is dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of natural or civil disasters, recently presented an emergency trailer in Tennessee to officials from the Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team in a ceremony held at the Country Music Cluster of Dog Shows.
AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. After recent disasters like tornadoes and flooding, emergency preparedness has become even more important. With AKC Pet Disaster Relief, Nashville and the surrounding areas will be able to effectively help the pets and their owners affected by such disasters in the future.
The purchase of the trailer was made possible by more than $22,000 in grants from AKC dog clubs, including the Nashville Kennel Club, Tennessee Valley Kennel Club, Clarksville Kennel Club, Greater Murfreesboro Kennel Club, Tullahoma Kennel Club, Maury County Kennel Club, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.
“This new trailer will allow us to set up extensive emergency shelters to assist pet owners during future natural disasters.”
Julie Hutchison ~ Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team
“This trailer donated today will provide animal care services during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits Nashville or the surrounding areas,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “Safe, effective pet sheltering solutions in times of disaster are incredibly important, and AKC Reunite is pleased to help communities across the nation prepare by mobilizing AKC Pet Disaster Relief.”
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 Nashville Kennel Club and other sponsoring clubs are pleased that we have been able to raise the monies needed to provide the matching funds required so that this emergency response trailer is available for our area,” said Nashville Kennel Club president Jon Cole. “It is our hope it will provide meaningful support during difficult times of disaster.”
“This new trailer will allow us to set up extensive emergency shelters to assist pet owners during future natural disasters,” said Julie Hutchison of Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team. “Thank you to these AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite for helping us offer a safe place to house our pets during emergencies.”
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.
