Red Star Animal Emergency Services™

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 WWI. The invitation resulted in the development of the American Red Star Animal Relief Program known today as Animal Emergency Services.

The U.S. armed services used 243,135 horses and mules during the war to transport supply wagons, ambulances, traveling kitchens, water carts, food, engineer equipment, light artillery, and tons of shells. Horses were used in direct combat, as well.

According to American Humane's periodical, The Humane Review, these artillery and cavalry horses' "bravery and endurance were equaled only by the courage and the skill of their riders." More than 45,000 mules also served the U.S. Army in France doing the heavy work. They delivered millions of rounds to the guns over almost impassable roads, and thousands of them drowned or died from shell fire.

American Humane sent medical supplies, bandages, and ambulances to the front lines to care for the injured horses -- an estimated 68,000 per month.

Since that time. American Humane has helped the animal victims of natural and manmade disasters, such as floods, chemical spills, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions, throughout the country. Today, American Humane’s Red Star 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, and a force of Emergency Services Volunteers located across the country.

In 1976, we signed a Letter of Understanding with the American Red Cross establishing American Humane as the primary contact in the U.S. for animal-related disaster relief. Whenever the need arises, American Humane serves as the coordinating agency to local shelters for animal supplies and resources.

To learn more about the history of Animal Emergency Services, click here (PDF).