Rescue

Rescue

From natural disasters to animal cruelty investigations,
American Humane's Red Star® Rescue is on the front lines protecting animals and saving lives in times of crisis.

For over a century, American Humane’s Red Star® Rescue has been at the forefront of lifesaving efforts, starting in 1916 during World War I. Originally established to rescue and care for the thousands of wounded horses on the battlefields, Red Star Rescue quickly evolved into a vital force in national and global animal rescue operations. After the war, it pivoted to responding to animals caught in natural disasters, from rescuing farm animals stranded by the Mississippi River flood in 1937 to aiding wildlife affected by oil spills and hurricanes.

Throughout the years, American Humane has deployed to some of the most devastating disasters in modern history, including the Pearl Harbor recovery efforts, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, Hurricane Katrina, and even the tragic events of 9/11, where we provided medical care for search-and-rescue dogs. More recently, our teams have continued to respond to large-scale emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, providing critical supplies and care for animals in crisis.

Today, we remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice with a fleet of state-of-the-art rescue vehicles stationed across the country. From Pearl Harbor to Hurricane Helene, we have served animals whenever and wherever they are in need. Our mission continues as we adapt to the needs of animals during disasters and large-scale emergencies. To help, we ensure that animals receive the food, medical supplies, and care they need during these challenging times.

American Humane’s Red Star Rescue program is a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to saving animals in their hour of greatest need.

Rescue Initiatives

Disaster Preparedness

American Humane’s vital resources for protecting pets during disasters In times of crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of our pets is paramount. Whether it’s a natural disaster or an…

Disaster Response

American Humane’s Rescue units are stationed across the country to ensure a swift response whenever and wherever animals are in crisis. Our first responders travel the nation with a fleet…

Emergency Training

We know firsthand that preparedness can be the difference between life and death for animals when disasters strike. That’s why, throughout the year, American Humane offers disaster preparedness training courses…

Community Events

Local animal shelters and law enforcement agencies regularly request support from American Humane in responding to natural disasters and large-scale animal cruelty investigations. American Humane also helps communities plan for…

Adopt-A-Dog Month®

Since 1981, American Humane has celebrated “Adopt-a-Dog Month®” each October in an effort to help the estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes…

Adopt-A-Cat Month®

American Humane celebrates Adopt-A-Cat Month® each June – a month that also marks the height of “kitten season,” when millions of kittens are born and often end up in animal shelters.

Be Kind to Animals Week®

Building a better world for all of us begins with a few simple actions and American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is challenging people to commit to protecting…

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News & Updates

American Humane Shares Lifesaving Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Pets and People

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 7, 2024 — In the deadly aftermath of Hurricane Helene, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is sharing lifesaving disaster preparedness tips as Category 5 Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida. “These catastrophic hurricanes are a reminder that disaster preparedness saves lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Climate change means nowhere…
October 7, 2024

American Humane Rescue Team Deploys to Support Animal Rescue and Sheltering in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2024 — American Humane, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices announced today that the Rescue Team has deployed to Georgia to support rescuing and sheltering efforts for animals affected by Hurricane Helene. The American Humane Rescue Team consistently monitors natural disasters and deploys first response units…
October 1, 2024

American Humane’s lifesaving emergency rescue program is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: