The American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC-CAR) continue to lead efforts in making supplies and other assistance available to the California authorities dealing with animals in areas affected by the wildfires.
Donations of crates, scanners, etc., have been made to the follow organizations to date:
- Norton Air Force base (serving as a makeshift shelter) in San Bernadino County
- North County Humane Society in Oceanside, CA, San Diego County
- El Cajon Animal Shelter in San Diego County
- Falbrook Animal Center in Falbrook, CA, San Diego County
- Escondido Humane Society in Escondido, CA, San Diego County
- San Diego Animal Rescue, San Diego County
“The AKC is committed to doing all that it can to assist the many organizations involved in helping those animals affected by the wildfires,” said Ron Menaker, AKC's Chairman. “We are monitoring the situation 24-hours a day so we can help meet needs as they develop.”
In order to deal with the numerous requests, the AKC has established the following number 1-800-252-7894 which will be available 24 hours a day, and also set up an email address: seekhelp@akc.org.
Supplies are being made available through the AKC-CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, and via various companies such as Cherrybrook Pet Supplies which has provided the crates at wholesale prices to the AKC; the Iams Company which continues to make dog and cat food available through the Helen Woodward Animal Center; and the Hartz Mountain company which is offering donations of toys, collars, leashes, food bowls, grooming supplies, shampoo, hydrocortisone spray, ear cleaner, eye gel, vitamins and aspirin.
In addition, AKC has been in contact with many of the Veterinarians in the area. From initial conversations, it appears that all needs are being met at this time. Many drug companies have already sent supplies and they have asked people to hold off on product donations until further notice. They noted that money and supplies may very well be needed in the coming days and weeks. AKC will remain in touch with them to determine and fulfill requests.
The public may contribute to the AKC-CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund and all such contributions are tax deductible. Donations can be made via checks made payable to “AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund” and mailed to:
AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund
American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue- 4th floor
New York, NY 10016-2401
Inquiries regarding the fund should be directed to:
Fund Administrator
AKC-CAR
(919) 816-3564
e-mail: ker@akc.org
Any club, organization or individual wishing to designate their donation specifically to this cause should specify on the check or accompanying correspondence “for California wildfires”.