American Humane Society’s Rescue program responds to disasters and humanitarian crises by rescuing animals, supplying food and providing emergency veterinary care when it is needed most.
Ready to Serve Animals in Times of Crisis
American Humane Society maintains trained disaster response teams and resources ready to deploy when animals and communities are impacted by emergencies. What began as American Humane Red Star® aiding Army animals in WWI is now our dedicated rescue team. Our rescue units are stationed across the country to ensure a swift response whenever and wherever animals are in crisis. Our first responders travel the nation with a fleet of specially equipped rescue vehicles and boats fully outfitted with life-saving emergency supplies for every condition.
Using these rescue vehicles as operating bases, we deploy to the sites of severe floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, among other natural disasters, where our first responders work tirelessly on the ground to locate, shelter and provide veterinary care to vulnerable animals in need.
Whenever and wherever tragedy strikes, American Humane Society is there for animals.
The stories below show how American Humane Society responds when disasters strike and animals need urgent care and protection.
Become a Volunteer Responder
American Humane Society’s volunteer responders support animal rescue and care during disasters and crises across the United States. Trained volunteers deploy alongside professional teams to assist with sheltering, animal handling, logistics and other critical response efforts when animals are impacted by emergencies or cruelty cases.
Volunteer responders must meet specific training and readiness requirements and be able to deploy on short notice upon request.
Learn How to Become a Volunteer Responder
Training, eligibility requirements and deployment expectations apply.
Disaster Preparedness Training for Animal Emergencies
American Humane Society offers disaster preparedness training to help communities respond effectively when animals are impacted by emergencies. Our Animal Emergency Services Training is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-approved, two-day course on the fundamentals of disaster response.
This course is open to individuals interested in preparedness and is required for those seeking to become volunteer responders.
Common Questions About Disaster Response and Rescue
American Humane Society deploys its rescue team to natural disasters across the country with a fleet of specially equipped rescue vehicles and boats. First responders locate, shelter and provide emergency veterinary care to animals affected by hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and other crises.
The organization’s rescue work dates to 1916, when the U.S. Secretary of War asked American Humane to care for wounded horses during World War I.
Rescue units are stationed across the country to allow a rapid response. The team deploys within hours of a disaster declaration and uses its rescue vehicles as mobile operating bases in the field.
During the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, American Humane Society was on the ground within hours, ultimately conducting more than 1,600 welfare checks and reuniting over 1,000 pets with their families.
Yes. The rescue team partners with local law enforcement on large-scale cruelty investigations, including hoarding, puppy mills and organized dog fighting.
American Humane Society also provides Second Chance Grants® to help local shelters and rescue groups offset the costs of caring for animals recovered from cruelty and neglect situations.
American Humane Society trains Certified Animal Rescue Responders who support professional response teams during disasters and large-scale cruelty cases. Volunteers assist with sheltering, animal handling, field rescue support and logistical coordination.
Read the training information and application details.
American Humane Society offers a free Pet Preparedness Toolkit with step-by-step guidance for creating a disaster plan, assembling emergency supplies and keeping pets safe during evacuations.
Rescue operations are funded through donations from individuals and corporate partners.
American Humane Society is a four-star Charity Navigator organization, and 87% of all spending goes directly to program services.
Get Your Free Pet Preparedness Toolkit
Disasters strike fast, but you can be ready. Whether it’s wildfire, tornado or hurricane, having a plan in place can help save lives.
Download our free Ultimate Pet Preparedness Toolkit to help you prepare your pets and your family.
