A Message from President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert
For nearly 150 years, American Humane has been leading the fight for animal welfare. From animals displaced by the fury of Mother Nature to those who fall victim to human abuse and neglect, we have been there to be a voice for the voiceless.
We have pioneered the certification of animals on Hollywood film sets and on farms, enlisted lifesaving first responders to deploy in the aftermath of the unthinkable, and been an unwavering supporter of the U.S. armed forces—including veterans on both ends of the leash.
American Humane is the champion that animals around the world deserve.
That is why I am so very excited to have initiated yet another ambitious undertaking. As we look to the next 100 years of American Humane, it would be a disservice to limit ourselves to only supporting the animals that live in our own backyard. Our mission is too important. We have a responsibility—no, an obligation—to export our humane values to every corner of the world.
We are taking the fight for animals to an international stage with our newly launched Global Humane program. We have already dipped our toe in these waters, but this year, we ramped up our international presence.
Our team traveled to Africa to support and recognize the far-reaching conservation work being performed on the continent that is helping push back against the sixth mass extinction. We became a member of the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature—a group that strives to create a world that values the natural world. Our auditing program expanded to the Middle East. And our rescue teams were deployed overseas.
Altogether, Global Humane operations now span six continents—leveraging our international team of veterinarians, advocates, rescue teams, and ethicists to reach more animals than ever before.
The expansion is not without obstacles; we have our work cut out for us. Navigating deep-seated cultural practices that put animals in harm’s way, complying with an intertwined web of government regulations, and raising sufficient financial support present tough but manageable challenges. With grit and determination, we are tackling these obstacles head-on.
Since 1877, American Humane has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals. But now, in addition to continuing that critical work here in the U.S., we have an opportunity to reach for the stars and plant the Global Humane flag—and the associated benefits for animals—around the world.
Thank you for being a part of the American Humane family and helping us achieve our mission of safeguarding the animals with which we share the planet. If you thought the past nearly 150 years were a wild ride, buckle up. We are just getting started saving the lives of animals.
Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D.
President and CEO