AKC Companion Animal Recovery Awards $340,000 in Grants to K-9 Search and Rescue Teams Nationwide

-- More Than 100 Grants in 36 States to Assist Volunteers --

RALEIGH, N.C., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) Canine Support and Relief Fund recently awarded more than $340,000 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 when the unique talents of a highly trained canine and his handler can often mean the difference between life and death for a missing individual.  

"AKC CAR is very proud to be leading the cause of providing much needed funding for K-9 SAR teams that perform such important, and often lifesaving, work," said Tom Sharp, AKC Companion Animal Recovery CEO. "As volunteers many of these organizations rely on grants and other similar funding, so we're pleased that the Fund can make such a significant contribution to so many groups."

With more than 100 SAR groups in 36 states, AKC-affiliated kennel clubs across America are holding local presentation ceremonies in their communities where grant recipients are located. One Georgia group recently sent AKC CAR its thanks:

"We want to thank AKC CAR for its consideration and generosity in awarding us this grant. It will greatly assist us in our mission to help those in need and to bring the lost home," said Tracy Sargent, President of K9 Search & Rescue Specialists, Inc. "We joined in the search efforts during the recent tornado disaster in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and it is because of support from AKC CAR and others that we are able to assist families and officials in their time of need."

Examples of K-9 SAR teams grants include funding for:

• Training seminars for Wilderness and Urban Tracking, Air Scent and Human Remains Detection
• Alzheimer's Search training seminars
• GPS Units, collars & laptop to track man-trailing canines during searches  
• Cooling vests, safety vests & repelling harnesses
• Disaster agility equipment & supplies for training
• Boat supplies for underwater detection training for drowning victims
• Radios, kennels, crates, leashes & toys

For a full list of 2011 AKC CAR SAR Grant recipients, visit www.akccar.org/givingback

The American Kennel Club and AKC Companion Animal Recovery also donated more than $16,000 in supplies and funds via the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund to animal organizations in need after the recent devastating tornadoes in the South. Members of the Tuscaloosa Kennel Club delivered supplies to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter on behalf of AKC and AKC CAR, including crates, bowls, leashes and collars and dog food. The Fund also provided food, medication, crates, kennel runs, flea/tick prevention and more to the Alabama SPCA, Humane Society of West Alabama, Walker County Humane Society, Cullman County Animal Shelter, Marion/Winston Animal Shelter, Hale County Animal Shelter and Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care (GA).

Created in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to honor the work of the search and rescue K-9s who bravely served, the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund is a permanent charitable fund that has donated more than $3 million to SAR teams and to organizations supporting companion animal relief during natural disasters such as the recent tornadoes in Alabama. For more information, visit www.akccar.org.

AKC Companion Animal Recovery

Microchips. Recovery. Giving Back.

AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR), an affiliate of the American Kennel Club^® and a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States. Established in 1995 to help pet owners reunite with their lost animals via identification and 24/7 pet recovery specialists, the organization has enrolled over 4 million companion animals and recovered more than 400,000 lost pets. AKC CAR microchips are a popular choice of pet professionals throughout the country for permanent pet identification.

The AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund has donated more than $4 million since 2001 to K-9 search and rescue teams as well as disaster preparedness and relief causes that impact our nation's pets. AKC CAR also provides free recovery service enrollment for all active service, military, and law enforcement K-9 dogs.  For more information visit www.akccar.org or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/akccompanionanimalrecovery).

SOURCE American Kennel Club