Commissioners approve donation of pet disaster relief trailer

During its Dec. 27 meeting, the Ellis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the donation of a pet disaster relief trailer.

The trailer was donated by American Kennel Club Reunite and is estimated to be worth about $22,000. It contains essential nonperishable items needed to care for displaced animals during disasters like fires and tornados, including leashes, crates, water dishes, cleaning and maintenance supplies, a generator and more.

“It has basically anything you need to house animals during a disaster,” Brian Davis, emergency management specialist, said. “It will greatly benefit our animal shelter plan if we ever have to enact it.”

According to its website, AKC Reunite helps local emergency management teams with animal care services following disasters by providing necessary equipment. Animal organizations or governments can apply for a pet disaster relief trailer. The Office of Emergency Management applied for the trailer because it would help close a gap in providing crates and kennels. Davis said they estimated up to 352 dogs may need to be sheltered at one time in a no notice disaster, and currently, there are only 32 portable kennels available for use at local animal shelters.

After receiving the trailer, the Office of Emergency Management is responsible for maintenance and restocking items when needed. Davis said they plan to store it in Wayne McCollum Detention Center’s fenced-in, covered sallyport area.

To learn more about AKC Reunite, visit https://www.akcreunite.org/pdr/. Originally published December 29, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/commissioners-approve-donation-of-pet-disaster-relief-trailer/article_e15ced4c-87fc-11ed-876f-6f600fff70ba.html