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Our emergency response work

When disaster strikes, our Animal Rescue Team is on the ground, delivering lifesaving care and critical supplies to animals and the communities that love them. Here are some example of recent animal rescue and disaster response:

Staff members from the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team and the San Diego Humane Society work to rescue 12 cats from a flooded home in South Carolina after Hurricane Florence.

Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Staff members from the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team and the San Diego Humane Society work to rescue 12 cats from a flooded home in South Carolina after Hurricane Florence.

Rapid animal search and rescue

During Hurricane Florence, our Animal Rescue Team waded through waist‑deep floodwaters in the Carolinas—working with local officials, the National Guard, and shelter partners—to save stranded pets and help transport hundreds of shelter animals out of harm’s way. 

Photo by Nashville Humane Association

Buster, a senior citizen at 13 years old, won over hearts with his sweet and friendly nature and his eagerness to give wags and kisses. Above, Buster takes a treat from Laura Chavarria, executive director of the Nashville Humane Association, and volunteer coordinator Kristen Elrod.

Animal transport and pet reunification support

In the wake of Alabama’s tornadoes, we helped senior pup Buster find safety and care—one example of how our partner‑powered network moves animals to where help is waiting, while communities recover.

Photo by Kevin Wolf/AP Images for the HSUS

Working with partners, we have helped more than 400 adoptable cats and dogs get out of shelters in Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Above, one of the dogs transported to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Virginia.

Year-round disaster preparedness training in communities

Before Hurricane Florence hit, we moved hundreds of shelter pets out of harm’s way—freeing space for displaced family animals and staying ready for post‑storm rescues. It’s all part of our full‑cycle disaster relief work.

A group of people holding a pig

Sneha’s Care

A small but dedicated team from Sneha's Care, a local animal rescue organization in Nepal, works tirelessly to save any and all animals impacted by deadly floods with support from Humane Society International.

Emergency grants to local shelters and other local partners

From hurricanes and floods to landslides and droughts, we've rescued tens of thousands of pets, farm animals, and wildlife by delivering on‑site medical aid, transporting animals to safety, reuniting families and providing critical supplies for local community organizations.

Animal Rescue Team in action

Our Animal Rescue Team works with law enforcement to investigate illegal animal cruelty. Every year we rescue thousands of animals from puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarders, and other situations where animals suffer from cruelty.

nikitabuida/iStock.com

Storms can strike without warning

Will your pets be protected?

Now's the time to create a disaster plan that includes all your animals, big and small. Learn how to build a pet emergency kit, identify safe evacuation options, know how to shelter in place - and much more.

If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets.

Help animals in emergency situations

We never know where disasters will strike or when animals may be in need of urgent rescue, but we know we must be ready. Your support makes our preparedness, rescue, care and relief work possible.

Anthony Rathbun/AP Images for the HSUS