Lexington Emergency Management Improves Disaster Pet Care

DEM Blogger

May 17, 2014

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 its first-ever trailer in the state of Kentucky. Members of the Lexington Kennel Club presented the trailer to officials from Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society in a ceremony held on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the Lexington Humane Society’s 17th annual Mutt Strut.

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 carriers, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner, as well as bowls, collars and leashes.

The purchase of the trailer for Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society was made possible by $22,000 in donations and grants from the Lexington Kennel Club, American Spaniel Club, American Boxer Club, Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Spinone Club of America, Canaan Dog Club of America, Great Dane Club of America and AKC Reunite.

“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 Lexington or surrounding areas.”

“The Lexington Kennel Club is proud to help donate this AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer to Emergency Management and the Lexington Humane Society, providing these agencies with another tool to help local pets in times of disaster,” said Lexington Kennel Club’s Scott Holmes.

Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management’s Shelley Bendall said, “This new trailer will allow us to quickly and easily set up a temporary shelter for pets during future natural disasters. We’re excited about our improved ability to care for our county’s pets and thank the members of the Lexington Kennel Club and other donors for their efforts in helping us acquire an AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer.”

“The Lexington Humane Society is honored to receive this donation. Thank you to everyone who was involved in obtaining this trailer for the city’s animals,” said Madison Carey, Director of Development for the Lexington Humane Society. “We’re also thrilled the community got to take a look at the trailer and the supplies that will be available to help animals during disaster during our Mutt Strut.”

Individuals, corporations and other interested parties can donate to trailer projects in local areas or across the country. Donations are tax deductible and accepted at http://www.akcreunite.org/donate. 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 in AKC Pet Disaster Relief at www.akcreunite.org/relief.

More about the Lexington Division of Emergency Management is available at: www.BeReadyLexington.com