AKC Reunite to Help Pets and Pet Families Affected by Hurricane Harvey

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According to AKC Reunite, “the magnitude of the devastation from Hurricane Harvey is unimaginable and the American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Reunite are here to contribute to the relief.”

Two AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers (similar to the one pictured here) have been deployed in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, to help evacuees from the storm and AKC Reunite will continue to help shelters caring for pets displaced by the storm.

“AKC Reunite continues to monitor the situation in Texas and Louisiana. We are committed to providing as much assistance as possible to those affected by this storm,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite president and CEO. “Pets are part of the family and we understand how important it is to ensure their safety as well.”

The Fort Worth AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer has been deployed at the Fort Worth Wilkerson Facility emergency shelter, located at 5201 Ca Roberson Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas, 76119. The deployment of this trailer allows people to safely evacuate with their pets instead of risking their lives because they do not have a safe, pet-friendly place to go. It houses supplies that create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets in the wake of a disaster. The essential, non-perishable AKC Pet Disaster Relief supplies are crucial, as many pet owners do not have the time to gather the necessary items to care for their pets during an emergency evacuation.

The Tri Cities/Cedar Hill AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is deployed adjacent to the “Mega” Shelter set up in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. This self-care animal shelter set up in the nearby parking garage so evacuees have close proximity to their pets. Efforts are being supported by the SPCA of Texas, the Dallas Animals Services and the Dallas County Animal Response Team.

AKC Reunite has donated thousands of dollars to Austin Pets Alive shelter, Etosha Rescue, the SPCA of Brazoria County, among others. The organization has also purchased $2,600 worth of kennel runs for the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter and Dallas County Response Team to assist at the Dallas Mega Shelter.

AKC Reunite has also announed a Challenge Grant from Barbara and Bob Amen (Delegate, Greater St. Louis Training Club), which will match donations to AKC Reunite’s Pet Disaster Relief Fund up to $10,000 now through Wednesday, September 20, 2017, to support efforts for the families and pets in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“We have many friends in the area, and our first two Australian shepherds came from Texas breeders, so we feel a special connection to the region,” said Bob Amen. “We cannot believe the destruction and havoc that Hurricane Harvey has already caused and more is on the way.”

“We are extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Amen for their generosity during such a trying time,” Sharp said. “The American Kennel Club and AKC Reunite are committed to helping those affected by this natural disaster, and this Challenge Grant will aid our efforts substantially.”

UPDATE:

AKC Reunite announced a second Challenge Grant. It has been created by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Charitable Trust, which will match donations to AKC Reunite’s Pet Disaster Relief Fund dollar for dollar for a total amount of $10,000 from their trust to support efforts for the families and pets in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Harvey.

This challenge grant follows the initial challenge grant from Barbara and Bob Amen (Delegate, Greater St. Louis Training Club) that began on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. The goal was met and exceeded within 24 hours. That grant also matched donations to AKC Reunite’s Pet Disaster Relief Fund dollar for dollar for a total donation of $10,000 from the Amen family to support efforts for those affected by Harvey.

“We were thrilled by the generous response of the AKC community to the Amens’ challenge.  And we are very thankful to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Charitable Trust for starting this second challenge grant,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite president and CEO.  “The American Kennel Club and AKC Reunite’s commitment to helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey continues. We know there is a long recovery road ahead and we intend to help in any way we can.”