People for Emergency Preparedness Planning for Animals (PEPPA)
1996 - 2004

Since 1996, People for Emergency Preparedness Planning for Animals, "PEPPA." worked to promote the concept of disaster preparedness for domestic animals in Alaska. PEPPA's efforts led to the dissemination of disaster preparedness information through brochures, presentations, and displays at public events. PEPPA also participated as a responder, and established pet shelters during disaster drills.

Over the past several years, PEPPA’s executives realized that the scope of disaster response for the entire state of Alaska was too broad for a single, small non-profit group to manage on its own. Moreover, it became increasingly difficult to maintain a dedicated volunteer disaster response force during times when no disasters were taking place.

Therefore, I am saddened to announce that PEPPA has been dissolved. Disaster education and response for domestic animals will need to become a task of other local and state emergency organizations. PEPPA assets have been distributed according to Alaska state regulations regarding voluntary dissolution of non-profit corporations.

PEPPA served a valuable purpose in raising awareness of the importance of emergency planning for animals. We hope that this much needed work will continue with the cooperation of local and state agencies.

Lorelei Cuthbert, DVM, President
People for Emergency Preparedness Planning for Animals