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April 28, 2016 Bergen County, NJ — Bergen County is now equipped with a state-of-the-art AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer that will be available to dispatch to any disaster scenes that need assistance sheltering pets. AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a national program that is dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe in the aftermath of natural or civil disasters, joined forces with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs and several national AKC breed clubs to present an emergency trailer to officials from the Bergen County Animal Response Team and the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management in a ceremony held today.
AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers help to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets immediately after a disaster is declared. 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. 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.
“This trailer donated today will provide animal care services during the first critical hours if a disaster ever hits Bergen County 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 purchase of the trailer was made possible by more than $22,000 in donations and grants from:
New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs
Ramapo Kennel Club,
Taconic Hills Kennel Club
Somerset Hills Kennel Club
Doberman Pinscher Club of the Tappan Zee
The Northern New Jersey Great Dane Club
Eastern German Shorthaired Pointer Club
United States Australian Shepherd Association
Spinone Club of America
Newfoundland Club of America
English Setter Association of America
American Bullmastiff Association
Field Spaniel Society of America
AKC Reunite, the nation’s largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service.
“The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs and all the other supporting clubs are 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 Bergen County,” said NJFDC president Jeffrey Ball. “It is our hope it will provide meaningful support during difficult times of disaster.”
“This brand-new trailer will allow our agencies to ensure the safety of our pets by setting up an extensive emergency shelter during any future disasters,” said Thomas Metzel from the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management. “Thank you to these AKC dog clubs and AKC Reunite for helping us to obtain such a valuable tool.”
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.
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