Take the Lead Poised to Help Human Victims
The American Kennel Club and AKC Companion Animal Recovery have reached out to AKC affiliated dog clubs as well as local disaster officials to offer assistance in the wake of the California wildfires.
AKC is also working closely with Take the Lead – an organization which provides direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who are affected by tragedies — in order to ensure that offers of support are extended to both the humans and canines affected by these fires.
“Since Monday we have been contacting AKC clubs in the affected areas as well as disaster officials, such as the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Fortunately, it appears that both people and animals are being well cared for and evacuated safely, so there are no immediate needs. We are relieved to find that the majority of our constituents’ needs are being met however we want to stress our willingness to assist wherever needed. Together with Take the Lead, our two organizations are poised to do whatever we can to ease the burden of this terrible tragedy.”
In order to proactively ensure that provisions are available immediately if needed, AKC has coordinated with the California Federation of Dog Clubs to provide food, collars, leashes and crates to be available at a central Southern California location. Dog clubs, shelters or individuals in need of assistance are asked to contact Corporate Project Manager Marcy Zingler at mlz@akc.org or 212-696-8346.
The AKC will continue to post frequent updates to our website at www.akc.org.
DONATIONS
In anticipation of the needs of the canine victims, we are accepting monetary donations. If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, you may send it to:
AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund
American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue – 4th Floor
New York, NY 10016-2401
Or donate online at https://www.akc.org/donations.
AKC/CAR is a permanent charitable fund which provides resources, support and other assistance to not-for-profit animal shelters and similar not-for-profit organizations providing care for domestic animals orphaned or displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters.
To donate to Take the Lead to help individuals in the dog fancy, visit http://www.takethelead.org