WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, December 14, 2021 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is grateful this holiday season for support from sponsors, including PetSmart Charities, that help fund lifesaving animal rescue deployments throughout the year. The grant from PetSmart Charities helped to support critical disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Ida and during the deadly Caldor Wildfire.
“The holiday season is a time to give thanks,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, CEO and president of American Humane. “And this year, we are especially grateful for the sponsors and donors who help make it possible for our Rescue team to deploy at a moment’s notice to care for animals in crisis. It is our duty, not just as animal lovers but as humans, to ensure that at-risk animals are protected, and that the helpless are given shelter and resources during their worst times. We are grateful to PetSmart Charities for helping us have the critical resources needed to provide this essential care.”
As the Caldor Fire raged, burning more than 200,000 acres over the course of 67 days, American Humane’s animal first responders joined other rescue organizations to help care for some 500 animals housed at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter. This critical shelter cared for dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, ducks, exotic birds and tortoises who could not evacuate with their family members.
With one team on the ground in California, another American Humane Rescue team rushed to Louisiana to care for frightened animals impacted by Hurricane Ida. This monster storm left a massive path of destruction in its wake and separated countless pets from their families. The American Humane first responders spent four weeks in the southern-most parishes in Louisiana — which suffered the brunt of Hurricane Ida — managing a temporary shelter for more than 100 displaced dogs.
“When disasters such as Hurricane Ida strike, American Humane is ready to rescue displaced and injured animals,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President at PetSmart Charities. “As an organization dedicated to supporting partners on the ground doing this critical work, we’re thankful for their care and compassion. As we look back on 2021 and the collective struggles, we know American Humane made a significant impact on recovery and relief. It’s gratifying to know that in a way, they helped us to do our part, too.
American Humane carefully monitors developing situations before deploying resources, including highly trained staff, volunteers, food and medical supplies, and provides around-the-clock attention to the physical and mental wellbeing of each individual animal once established.
“The days were long for the animal first responders on the ground in both California and Louisiana, but they took heart in the knowledge that hundreds of animals were kept safe from harm,” said Dr. Ganzert. “This season, I am thankful for the donors that helped make our deployments possible. Because of you, we can continue to improve and save lives when disaster strikes.”
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps nearly 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $475 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
