Red Star Animal Emergency Services™

The devastating earthquake in Haiti brought tragedy to the region, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected. As scores of relief agencies and government resources mobilized to help the people caught in the situation, American Humane and other groups turned attention to the animals that also were suffering.

American Humane is part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), a coalition of professional animal welfare organizations formed to provide emergency response services for animals affected by the tragic earthquake. American Humane has provided significant funding to ARCH, which is led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Our efforts are always authorized and coordinated with local government and international relief agencies, which recognize that addressing animal issues is an essential part of any disaster response.

Donate now to support our efforts to help animals in future disasters.

July 2 Update

Mobile Veterinary Clinic Expands Help for Animals

By the end of May, the ARCH team had assisted 20,214 animals in Haiti, thanks to its Mobile Veterinary Clinic. The clinic team is on the road almost daily (subject to weather, vehicle availability and street demonstrations) providing care and treatment to goats, sheep, pigs and dogs, including rabies and anthrax vaccinations, worming, multivitamins and veterinary treatment for ill animals.

With the advent of hurricane season, heavy rain is causing deteriorating road conditions that affect the ability of the clinic to make already-long journeys. The good news is that supermarkets are generally fully stocked, and most necessary items can be purchased. Street vendors and markets are flourishing and meat, fruit and vegetables are on sale in abundance. One beneficiary is the street dog population -- most dogs seen are in very good condition.

Feb. 12 Update

Hundreds of Animals Treated

Approximately 20 ARCH team members have been in Haiti conducting assessment and rescue/relief work. As of early February, the coalition had treated more than 1,300 animals, including nearly 400 dogs and cats, with cases ranging from malnutrition, mange, fleas, ticks and worms, to tumor removals, wound sutures and other treatments. In the first stage of response, a top priority also was to visit the tent cities, where thousands of people and animals had been surviving with very few resources. The team has now also gone to more-rural areas and treated hundreds of farm animals, including goats, sheep, pigs and cows. Livestock received anthrax vaccine, all dogs and cats were given rabies vaccines. Animals received primary health care plus de-worming and vitamins. The coalition plans to remain in Haiti for an extended duration and work with the government to ensure that all ARCH funds are used appropriately. Read the complete update.