Saint Joseph Animal Control has bought an emergency rescue and shelter trailer that can temporarily house up to 48 animals. A $44,785 grant from Missouri Homeland Security paid for the trailer.

The purchase was prompted by summer flooding that displaced many homeowners and their pets. City officials say the emergency trailer will help responses to disasters, evacuations, and large impoundments of domestic animals across Northwest Missouri.

The rescue trailer is equipped with a fresh water holding tank, a disposal holding tank, interior and exterior lighting, a generator, and exterior doors that open for viewing animals.