Vancouver, WA ̶ Clark County is better prepared to care for small pets in an emergency thanks to a pet disaster relief trailer donated by local kennel clubs and a grant from a national American Kennel Club program.

The 16-foot-long, 7-foot-high trailer will be unveiled at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, during the Greater Clark County Kennel Club’s dog show at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield.

Animal Protection and Control received the trailer after the club spearheaded money-raising efforts in cooperation with the American Kennel Club’s program, AKC Reunite, of Raleigh, N.C. The local kennel club and area chapters of the Field Spaniel Society of America, Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and Basset Hound Club of America Foundation raised more than half of the $22,000 cost. An AKC Reunite grant covered remaining costs.

“On behalf of Clark County, I want to thank the Greater Clark County Kennel Club, whose members approached me with this idea, and the other clubs for their foresight and generosity securing this trailer,” said Paul Scarpelli of Animal Protection and Control. “It will be of enormous importance in an emergency or disaster.”

The trailer is equipped with supplies to create a safe, temporary home for 65 pets immediately after a disaster. Among other things, it contains extra-large and medium crates, bowls, muzzles for cats and dogs, a generator, fans, a fire extinguisher, cleaning supplies, office supplies, litter, plastic bags, microchips and thousands of identification wrist bands for owners and collars for animals.

“Members of the Greater Clark County Kennel Club wanted to make it easier for our local community to help pet owners in times of need, and we’re proud to donate this AKC pet disaster relief trailer,” said Karen Burgess, the club’s show chair.

To learn more about pet disaster relief trailers, go to www.akcreunite.org/relief.

CONTACT
Paul Scarpelli
Animal Protection & Control
(360) 397-2375 ext. 4705
paul.scarpelli@clark.wa.gov