REAL Exclusive Magazine

Cat Depot Receives Grant For AnimalSafe Mobile Unit.

Cat Depot announced it was the recipient of a $23,360 grant by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for the purchase of an AnimalSafe Mobile Unit. The 20-foot shelter trailer includes collapsible variable-size cages, heat and air conditioning, and is powered by generator or electricity. The trailer will provide a solution to animal displacement issues related to disasters and emergency management, as well as rescues. It can also be used for transport, temporary housing, adoption events and as a spay/neuter recovery vehicle.

“The trailer which can house up to 120 small animals is an integral part of our Emergency Disaster Plan.” said Shelley Thayer, executive director of Cat Depot. “We are honored to be a recipient of this generous grant by the ASPCA. The trailer will enable Cat Depot to continue our emergency response rescue work, as well as be prepared during a disaster, locally or nationally.” Cat Depot is now seeking a large capacity truck to pull the trailer and is asking the community for help to complete this project.

Cat Depot is working in collaboration with the ASPCA for joint use of the trailer. The mobile unit will accommodate dogs, cats, birds and other small animals.

“The ASPCA assisted in numerous disaster response operations in the past years, and we are proud to support programs like Cat Depot who take the steps necessary to prepare for a disaster before it strikes,” said Allison Cardona, program development specialist for the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “This grant towards the purchase of the AnimalSafe Mobile Unit will save countless lives during critical and stressful times. With hurricane season officially upon us, it is essential that animal rescue organizations begin to plan for the unexpected.”

Cat Depot is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicap accessible. Cat Depot is located at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234. For more information, visit www.catdepot.org, or call 941.366.2404.