American Humane Society, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that the Rescue Team is ready to mobilize to California to help protect and save animals affected by wildfires.
As wildfires rage across Southern California, families are fleeing their homes—many are forced to leave their beloved animals behind in the chaos. The flames are spreading rapidly, and every moment counts for the innocent lives at risk.
American Humane Society is prepared to deploy its Rescue Team and its state-of-the-art rescue vehicle at a moment’s notice. The brave first responders are trained to provide emergency shelter, medical care and comfort to animals in crisis.
“The American Humane Rescue Team is first to serve animals wherever they are needed most, delivering vital resources and care that saves lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “As an organization with staff and beloved animals in California, we are dedicated to helping animals in our own community and beyond.”
American Humane Society coordinates with local organizations and officials for requests for assistance before deploying resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. Providing urgent care for stranded, injured and lost animals in the wake of a natural disaster requires around-the-clock attention to the physical and mental well-being of each individual animal.
The American Humane Rescue Team was founded more than 100 years ago during World War I, when the U.S. Secretary of War requested assistance caring for injured horses in war-torn Europe. Since then, American Humane Society’s animal first responders have been on the ground for several disasters throughout our nation’s history, from Pearl Harbor, to 9/11, to the historic eastern Kentucky flooding of 2022 and beyond. American Humane Society has established an Emergency Relief Fund for Animals to take immediate action to support animals in urgent need. Donations will help provide lifesaving resources like food, water, and essential supplies. Support American Humane Society’s lifesaving rescue work.
About American Humane Society
American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
