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Animals Are at Risk — We’re Ready to Help

As Hurricane Melissa brings record-breaking winds and flooding to Jamaica, countless animals are at risk of being displaced or left behind. American Humane Society’s Rescue Team is on high alert and standing by to respond where help is needed most. Your donation today strengthens our ability to act swiftly when disaster strikes — providing hope and lifesaving support to animals in crisis.

Hurricane Melissa: A deadly Category 5 storm threatens lives across the Caribbean

Animals are in danger, and American Humane Society stands ready to help.

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall, bringing catastrophic wind, rain and flooding to Jamaica and surrounding regions. With sustained winds reaching 185 mph, Hurricane Melissa has become one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. Entire communities are facing destruction from wind, rain and storm surge. Homes are underwater, communication networks are down and both people and animals are in grave danger.

For animals, the situation is dire. Many are frightened, injured or displaced — separated from their families and struggling to find food, water or shelter in the chaos. Farm animals are at risk of drowning or starvation and wildlife habitats are being torn apart.

American Humane Society is closely monitoring the storm and is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Our rescue teams are specially trained to assist animals in disaster zones, providing emergency shelter, veterinary care and vital supplies when it is safe and appropriate to deploy.

How You Can Help

Your compassionate gift will help:

  • Fund rapid disaster response efforts when animals are affected by hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters
  • Provide emergency food, water, and shelter to animals in crisis
  • Support long-term recovery and rescue operations for animals impacted by cruelty, neglect or natural disasters
  • Strengthen all of the American Humane Society’s year-round programs, including rescue, rehabilitation and humane certification

Resources on the ground 

  • Jamaica Red Cross Society – National humanitarian agency offering emergency relief, shelter and coordination during major storms. 
  • Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) – The government agency coordinating shelters, evacuations and disaster response