Red Star Animal Emergency Services™

More Than 90 Years of Emergency Relief

American Humane began doing animal relief in August 1916, by accepting an invitation of the War Department to help animals used by the U.S. Army during World War I. The invitation resulted in the development of the American Red Star Animal Relief Program known today as Animal Emergency Services.

Since its inception, American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services has responded to national and international disasters, rescuing thousands of animals. Animal rescue technology and expertise has advanced drastically in 90 years. Today, American Humane’s Animal Emergency Services includes a fleet of emergency response vehicles customized to help animals in disasters -- specialized rescue equipment designed specifically for animal search and rescue.

American Humane’s Disaster Response Resources

• A roster of more than 100 readily deployable volunteers
• American Humane’s "Rescue Rig" -- 82-foot specialized tractor/trailer
  • Volunteer living accommodations -- self-sustaining for 12 responders, stocked with more than a week's supply of ready-to-eat meals
  • Command Center with electrical generator, a VHF base radio and handhelds, satellite dish uplink and downlink capability, computer and planning support capabilities
  • Basic veterinary surgery capability
  • Heavy gear storage
• Urban search, rescue and assistance equipment
• Flood search, rescue and assistance equipment
• Technical rescue equipment -- rope and high-angle rescue systems, swift-water rescue systems
• Fleet of 4WD support vehicles