Atlantic County recently received a Pet Disaster Relief trailer donated by AKC Reunite.
Since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Atlantic County's emergency preparedness plans have been expanded to include provisions for pets. AKC Reunite's recent donation of a new companion animal mobile equipment trailer will provide a fully functional animal shelter for companion animals during emergencies at no cost to taxpayers.
This is a life-saving asset, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said. Through all the severe storms and hurricanes, we have learned that the lack of provisions for pets can jeopardize human health and safety because some pet owners will refuse to evacuate without their pets.
The new trailer has the ability to temporarily accommodate hundreds of pets. It also contains logistical supplies, including an electrical generator, crates, office supplies and the ability to electronically microchip and track pets.
It will essentially operate as a mobile animal shelter from anywhere in Atlantic County, Levinson said.
He joined county public safety officials in expressing gratitude to AKC Reunite for its generous donation.
AKC Reunite recognizes that people consider their pets a part of their families and in order to protect our residents, we needed to include better provisions for their pets. We hope this will allay some of the concerns people have during evacuations, he said.
