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 McClain County, Oklahoma. Local AKC Kennel Clubs and the Oklahoma-based Onofrio Dog Shows presented an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to officials from McClain County Emergency Management/McClain County Animal Response Team.

“This new trailer will allow us to set up an extensive emergency shelter to assist pet owners during future disasters.”

Ed Cravens, of the McClain County Emergency Management/McClain County Animal Response Team.

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 the McClain County EM/ART was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from Town and Country Kennel Club, Sooner State Kennel Club, West Central Oklahoma Kennel Club, Canadian Valley Kennel Club and Onofrio Dog Shows, as well as national organizations like the Bulldog Club of America, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America, and AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.

“This trailer will provide animal care services during the first critical hours after a disaster, such as the terrible tornado that hit nearby Moore, OK last year,” 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.”

“The AKC kennel clubs in this area wanted to make it easier for our local community to help pet owners in times of disaster, so our club members are very proud to donate this AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to McClain County to assist in their future response efforts,” said West Central Oklahoma Kennel Club President Robert Newcomb.

Edward Cravens of the McClain County Emergency Management/McClain County Animal Response Team said, “This new trailer will allow us to set up an extensive emergency shelter to assist pet owners during future disasters. We’re excited about our improved ability to care for our county’s pets and thank the donors for their efforts in helping us acquire an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.”

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.