CANTON -- St. Lawrence County has received the 115th AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer from AKC Reunite, a non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States.

According to a press release from AKC Reunite, the organization made the donation of life-saving equipment that will be available for dispatch to any local disaster scene that needs assistance sheltering pets.

"This trailer was delivered on March 17th and will assist St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services in helping community pets that may become displaced in an emergency," AKC Reunite wrote.

“St. Lawrence County was hit with severe flooding last year and we are very grateful that this life-saving equipment is on the way,” said Tom Sharp, President & CEO of AKC Reunite. “Thanks to the St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club and the other organizations who helped make this trailer a reality.”

AKC Pet Disaster Relief is a nationwide program sponsored by AKC Reunite, the country's largest non-profit microchip identification and recover service.

"AKC Reunite partners with AKC® Dog Clubs and pet lovers across the country to make these donations a reality," officials wrote.

The St. Lawrence County trailer was made possible by the St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club, St. Lawrence CART, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, Town of Louisville, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, Poulin Grain, Northern Credit Union, and Farm Credit East.

The equipment in the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers helps to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets during the first 72 hours after a disaster is declared. The trailers house and deliver essential animal care items including crates and carriers, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner, bowls, collars and leashes as well as fans, lighting and a generator, cleaning supplies and maintenance items. 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.
"The St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club is pleased to sponsor the AKC Reunite Disaster Response Trailer for St. Lawrence County Emergency Services and the County Animal Response Team,” said Deb Kreider from the St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club Board of Directors. “In a rural area like the North Country, natural disasters and emergencies are not uncommon occurrences, and our resources can be spread far apart. Having a trailer in St. Lawrence County will be an asset to the community and play a vital role in helping pet owners and saving animals lives during times of crisis.” 

Learn more about how to get involved in AKC Pet Disaster Relief at www.akcreunite.org/relief.