AKC CAR Chairman's Update
Raleigh, NC (August 27, 2008) - As we head into the heart of hurricane season and with the recent flooding in Iowa and wildfires still burning in Eastern North Carolina and out West, it is an opportune time to take a look at how we can all help those who can’t help themselves during times of natural disasters: our beloved pets.
When hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or wildfires occur, people aren't the only victims. Normally, thousands of pets are affected as well. Of those not able to be taken with the owners, the unfortunate ones are left behind during evacuations, and the lucky ones end up in already overcrowded shelters.
Many times people want to help, but they just don’t know how to help domestic animals far away from them. This is exactly why AKC CAR, in conjunction with the AKC, set up the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. This charitable fund is used to provide resources, support and other assistance to not-for-profit organizations that provide care for pets orphaned or displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters.
Just recently flood waters overtook several cities in Iowa and devastated the surrounding area. There were many misplaced families, including their pets. Initially, the fund was used to provide crates, supplies and other resources that were sent to the area immediately after the disaster occurred. Then, the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund donated $10,000 each to two non-profit organizations. Each organization supports an animal control agency that was tragically affected by the rising flood waters: Cedar Rapids Animal Control and Iowa City Animal Control. Both agencies had to evacuate their permanent facilities and set up temporary shelters for more than 1,000 displaced companion animals.
This is just one example of how the fund has been used to support many animals during a time of disaster. In order to ensure that these funds are there when needed, AKC CAR accepts monetary donations on an ongoing basis. These tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.akc.org/donations or sent to:
AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund
c/o American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue - 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016-2401
Besides helping others in the aftermath of natural disasters it is important that you prepare your animals for times of disaster as well. One step you can take that can ensure and speed up recovering your pet if you are separated is to go ahead and permanently identify your pet with a microchip and enroll them in a 24/7 recovery service such as ours – AKC Companion Animal Recovery.
By microchipping and enrolling your pet you are setting up a second line of defense in case the collar and identifying tag come off your pet. Your pet’s microchip number will be linked to your contact information in the AKC CAR database. Plus, by having your mobile phone number in our system, you can be contacted even away from home. With AKC CAR’s new text messaging feature, you will be notified immediately when your pet has been reported found. So even if your local shelter is not operating as usual, you will have the means to be reunited with your loved one.
By knowing where you can donate to provide immediate assistance when help is needed most and by preparing your own pets for times of disaster, a proactive approach can be taken to protect the companion animal community during times of natural disasters. Hopefully, the result will be more success stories and less sad ones.
Other than disaster relief, The AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund is also used to provide resources to canine search and rescue teams and veterinary units that support those teams. For more information about the fund, visit www.akc.org/dogny/grants.cfm
Sincerely,
Steven D. Gladstone
AKC CAR Chairman