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 Boone County, Missouri. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) presented the trailer to the Boone County Office of Emergency Management in a ceremony held the other day.

“The addition of this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is another tool that will help our emergency management team remain prepared both during and after a catastrophe. We appreciate the support of OFA and AKC Reunite”

Martina Pounds, Public Information Officer of Boone County Office of Emergency Management.

AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 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, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner as well as bowls, collars and leashes.

The purchase of the trailer for Boone County Office of Emergency Management was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and AKC Reunite.

“Many pet owners will try to ride out a disaster or emergency situation unless they know there is a safe, convenient sheltering option for their pet. The trailer donated today ensures that animal care services will be available during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits Boone County or surrounding areas,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite CEO. “Safe, effective sheltering solutions like this one are incredibly important, and AKC Reunite is helping communities across the nation save lives and increase community preparedness with AKC Pet Disaster Relief.”

“The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is dedicated to giving back to our community and helping our fellow citizens and their pets. We’re very proud to help bring an AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Columbia, Missouri and Boone County,” said Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of OFA.

“The addition of this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is another tool that will help our emergency management team remain prepared both during and after a catastrophe. We appreciate the support of OFA and AKC Reunite,” said Martina Pounds, Public Information Officer of Boone County Office of Emergency Management.

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.