Raleigh, NC — AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program spearheaded by AKC Reunite and dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other natural or civil disasters, just donated an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Harford County, Maryland. Members of the Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club presented the trailer to officials from Harford County Department of Emergency Services in a ceremony held today at the agency’s headquarters.

“Giving back to the community, helping our citizens and saving their pets’ lives is very gratifying. The Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club is proud to help bring an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Harford County”

Mary Lou Olszewski, Club Member of Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club

AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 50 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. Co-location shelters, where people can evacuate with their pets, as well as emergency animal shelters for displaced animals can be created. 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, microchips and a scanner as well as bowls, collars and leashes.

The purchase of the trailer for Harford County Department of Emergency Services was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from the Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club, Harford County DES, the American Lhasa Apso Club, the American Spaniel Club Foundation, The Norfolk Terrier Club and AKC Reunite.

“This trailer donated today will provide animal care services during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits Harford County or surrounding areas,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “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.”

“Giving back to the community, helping our citizens and saving their pets’ lives is very gratifying. The Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club is proud to help bring an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Harford County,” said Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club’s Mary Lou Olszewski.

“We appreciate the partnerships that have worked together to support this project. The addition of this Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is another tool for our emergency management team to use in the event of a major disaster,” said Harford County Department of Emergency Services Director Russell J. Strickland.

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.