AKC Companion Animal Recovery Awards Over $400,000 In Grants To K-9 Search And Rescue Teams Nationwide

– More Than 140 Grants in 45 States to Support Volunteer Teams –

Raleigh, NC — The AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) Canine Support and Relief Fund recently awarded $413,000 in grants, the majority to K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.  Since 2002, AKC CAR has proudly supported the crucial role these volunteers play during natural disasters and other emergencies.  The unique talents of a highly trained canine and its handler often make the difference between life and death for a missing person, heroism we have witnessed this week during the ongoing Oklahoma tornado search and rescue efforts.

“AKC CAR continues its commitment of supporting the lifesaving work of hundreds of search and rescue groups,” said Tom Sharp, AKC Companion Animal Recovery CEO. “Many of these organizations are staffed by canine handlers volunteering their time and expertise to help our local communities.  Team volunteers rely on grants and other similar funding for necessary supplies, certification training and travel to locations where they are needed. We thank these deserving organizations for their dedication and efforts, and are very proud that the Fund leads the charge in providing them with much needed funding.”

K-9 SAR team grants include funding for:

• Portable radios and GPS equipment
• Heat alert systems and temperature sensor monitors
• Cooling vests, water safety vests & repelling harnesses
• Training seminars and certifications
• Emergency supplies for pet-related needs during a disaster
• K9 first aid kits
• Leashes, bowls, crates and more

With more than 140 SAR groups in 45 states, AKC-affiliated kennel clubs across America are holding local presentation ceremonies in their communities where grant recipients are located.  These ceremonies will help thank our nation’s volunteer K-9 Search and Rescue teams while building awareness of the good works they do for us behind-the-scenes.

For a full list of 2013 AKC CAR SAR Grant recipients, visit  http://www.akccar.org/givingback/

Created to honor the work of the search and rescue K-9s who bravely served in the aftermath of 9/11, the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund has donated $4 million to SAR teams and to organizations supporting companion animal relief during natural and civil disasters. For more information, visit www.akccar.org.

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Posted by chesliepickett on May 30 2013. Filed under The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.