Our team first set off to meet with local animal control and assess the situation on the ground. We coordinated our efforts to ensure that we respond effectively to three specific calls for assistance.

Rescue Missions:

We were called upon to check several residences with reports of animals in need. Our water rescue team, equipped with dry suits, safety gear, and boats, visited the locations to ensure the animals were safe and had the resources they needed.

One call involved a complex situation with livestock—including a dog, cows, a sheep, pigs, a turkey, and chickens— who were all stranded on a flooded property. The water rescue team carefully approached the property. They spotted the livestock huddled together on a dry patch of land surrounding the house. Our team ensured they had water and food and monitored the water levels to ensure their continued safety.

Food Drive:

In our Palm Beach, FL office, we also organized a food and supply drive and collected 5 dog crates/gates, 375 cases of cat food, 40 pounds of kitty litter, 6 dog beds, 50 collars, 50 leashes and 5 harnesses, 180 pounds of dog food, 7 blankets, 90 pounds of bird feed, and countless treats for animals affected by both Hurricane Milton and Helene. We will distribute these supplies to the communities affected as soon as possible.

Together, we strive to create a safer, more prepared community for future emergencies, emphasizing the vital role that animals play in our lives. As we reflect on our deployment, we are inspired by the resilience of the animals we rescued and the communities we serve.

You can be part of our critical work by donating to support our rescue efforts.

The post Coming When Called: Our Rescue Team’s Work in Florida Following Hurricane Milton appeared first on American Humane.

When the storm hit, the owners of these puppies found themselves overwhelmed, struggling to care for their pets amidst the chaos of recovery. Understanding the difficult situation, they made the compassionate decision to release the puppies into the care of rescuers, ensuring the little ones could be adopted and brought to their forever homes.

These adorable puppies, approximately 14 weeks old, were assessed and found to be healthy and happy, ready for the next chapter of their lives. The swift rescue operation was coordinated with the assistance of various organizations, including ASAR Training and Response, the Bissell Foundation, and additional local rescue and transport volunteers. Together, they sprang into action, demonstrating the power of community in times of need.

The puppies were carefully transported to Newland, NC, where they were then transferred to a local shelter situated about two hours outside the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. This critical step ensured the puppies could be sheltered safely while awaiting adoption. The collaboration did not stop there; agencies also provided enclosed vehicles, helping to shuttle and transport the puppies with the utmost care.

As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by natural disasters, it is vital to remember that animals need support just as much as we do. The American Humane Rescue Team is proud to play a crucial role in ensuring that animals in distress receive the urgent care they need.

Together, we can make a difference, one paw at a time. If you’re inspired by the rescue of these puppies, please consider donating to rescue efforts at americanhumane.org/give/hurricane-helene-response.

The post A Second Chance for 13 Puppies: Rescue Efforts in Storm Recovery appeared first on American Humane.

Overcoming Challenges, Saving Lives

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our team is navigating some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Communication blackouts and blocked access routes have made it nearly impossible for many communities to reach the help they so desperately need. But through it all, we press forward. Despite these challenges, our teams remain undeterred, relying on radios and satellite systems to connect with local agencies.

The devastation from Helene—making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida and wreaking havoc across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky—has left its mark on the Southeast. But we are determined to continue to bring hope, relief, and critical aid to the animals and people who need us most.

Heartfelt Impact Across Communities

Yesterday alone, our rescue teams worked alongside six other partner organizations to reach countless animals and their caretakers. Split into two groups, we touched 54 communities across three counties.

Every pound of food delivered, and every pet saved carries a story—of resilience, of survival, and of hope. Today, we delivered 3,000 pounds of dog food (providing 9,600 meals) and 1,150 pounds of cat food (enough for 12,190 meals), along with over 220 essential pet care items.

We also worked closely with local law enforcement, fire departments, animal control agencies, and sheltering services to ensure that resources reach those who need them most.

Looking to the Future: Standing Ready for More

Our mission will not end with Hurricane Helene. As we continue our life-saving work in North Carolina, we are also preparing for what lies ahead. Hurricane Milton is fast approaching, and we are already putting contingency plans in place to provide critical resources for both North Carolina and the communities soon to be impacted in Florida.

With federal emergency declarations across multiple states and the situation evolving rapidly, we remain steadfast in our commitment to rescue, care, and protect.

A Call to Compassion

Stay tuned for more updates on our rescue efforts, and thank you for standing with us as we bring light to the darkest days for so many.

You can be part of our critical work by donating to support our rescue efforts.

The post A Lifeline in the Storm: Our North Carolina Animal Rescue Efforts Following Hurricane Helene appeared first on American Humane.

Mission Overview

Our dedicated and passionate team, based at the Tift County Agricultural Extension in Tifton, GA, included staff responders, communications experts, and partner responders from the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). Armed with vital equipment—trucks, trailers, and boats—we were fully equipped to take on any challenge, ready to provide rescue and recovery with determination and heart. Together, we embraced the mission, knowing that every effort made a difference for the animals and communities in need.

Challenges in the Field

The team faced significant obstacles, primarily related to communication. Outages caused by the storm left many areas unreachable by phone. Despite this, our team remained determined, completing critical assessments and providing much-needed assistance to impacted communities. Over the course of the mission, our teams visited 100+ locations in multiple counties, checking on animal welfare, facility needs, and other resources.

We coordinated with several partners, including the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC), LSART, and various local agencies. Our focus was on animal search and rescue, particularly in rural agricultural areas, where many animals were left vulnerable due to the storm’s impact.

Key Achievements

• Completed assessments in 13 counties, reaching 190 facilities and directly impacting 300+ animals.
• Provided critical supplies, including water (250 gallons) and pet food.
• Ensured that the needs for hay, fencing, and additional water for affected animals were identified and addressed.

Looking Ahead

With the mission in Georgia now complete, the team is demobilizing and shifting focus to North Carolina, where we've been requested to assist with animal search and rescue operations. The challenges will continue, especially with communication, but we remain committed to providing the best support possible.

Additionally, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, which already become a Category 5 storm and is bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Preparedness efforts are already underway, ensuring we can respond swiftly if needed.

Thank You to Our Partners

We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without the incredible support of our partners, including the GDA, NARSC, LSART, and ASAR partners. Their assistance was vital in getting the resources and coordination we needed to make this mission a success. Also, a big thank you to the PEDIGREE Foundation for their generous support of the American Humane Rescue Team throughout our deployment in southern Georgia. Because of the PEDIGREE Foundation and the generous donations of so many people across the community, we've been able to provide direct and immediate relief to animals and families impacted by Hurricane Helene.

We will continue to keep everyone updated as we mobilize to North Carolina and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates on our rescue and relief efforts!

The post Hurricane Helene South Georgia Rescue Mission Recap appeared first on American Humane.

Since arriving on September 30, the team has traveled across 10 counties and connected with 146 facilities. We’ve assessed 81 of these sites directly, and impacted the lives of 212 animals, providing much-needed resources like pet food and water to areas severely affected by Hurricane Helene. In just the last week, we’ve distributed hundreds of gallons of water to those in immediate need, while additional supplies are identified and brought in.

One of the locations we visited was the animal control shelter in Lanier County, where nine dogs were housed without power and with limited water. Upon learning of their situation, we immediately deployed a team to deliver 90 gallons of water. Navigating through debris-filled roads and dirt paths damaged beyond recognition, our team safely arrived with the supplies.

Our first priority was ensuring the well-being of the dogs. After conducting a thorough assessment, we worked with the shelter and state to arrange safe transport for all nine animals to a new shelter. Thanks to continued communication and collaboration with the shelter, we are happy to report that all nine dogs have since been relocated to safe, caring shelters. Even better, the shelters were able to pick up the animals directly, ensuring minimal stress for the dogs.

Special thanks go to the shelters from Cherokee and Floyd County, whose involvement was key to the safe transport and care of these animals.

Hurricane Helene has devastated southern and central Georgia, leaving hundreds of structures damaged and causing widespread power outages. The Category 4 storm has caused over $400 million in damage to the state and continues to endanger animals like dogs, cats, pigs, and horses.

American Humane remains committed to supporting animal rescue and sheltering efforts in the aftermath of this disaster. Our team will continue to support GA and its communities to help animals impacted in the days to come.

To learn more about our Rescue team or to support American Humane’s critical work for animals affected by Hurricane Helene, please visit https://www.americanhumane.org/?form=hurricanehelene.

The post American Humane Rescue Team – Hurricane Helene Update: Southern Georgia appeared first on American Humane.

Today marks the nationwide release of Escape from Extinction Rewilding, American Humane’s powerful documentary highlighting groundbreaking conservation efforts. Showing across the United States starting September 27, 2024, this film underscores the impact of rewilding as a critical strategy to save species.

Rewilding is a vital approach that allows us to restore natural ecosystems and protect vulnerable species, as is especially timely given nearly 1 million species are at risk of extinction. The film follows wildlife experts and conservationists around the globe as they work to restore and protect natural ecosystems, allowing endangered species to return to their wild state.

Find a showtime in your city and buy tickets through Fandango or MovieFone.

The post American Humane’s New Documentary “Escape from Extinction Rewilding” Opens in Theatres Nationwide appeared first on American Humane.

Spurrier Group is a women-owned performance media marketing agency that has worked with regional, national, and global organizations to launch marketing campaigns for over 25 years.

One training was held in Richmond, VA at Spurrier Group’s offices for their employees and the public, and one was in Washington, D.C. for American Humane employees.

This donation was a continuation of Spurrier Group’s longtime support of American Humane. They have provided $60,000 to our lifesaving Rescue Program over the last three years.

Spurrier Group’s Director of Corporate Giving and Social Media Manager, Meredith Herrera, said the following about their support of American Humane:

“About two years ago, we celebrated our 25^th anniversary – and that’s a huge deal in and of itself! The CEO was trying to think of an impactful way to give back, so she decided we were going to gift $25,000 to ten different charities, and we all had a say in it. Children and animals were causes we wanted to fiercely get behind and support, so we all chose American Humane as one of the charities. We loved that American Humane reached out and asked, “How can we make our partnership more grounded?” We really appreciated that because yes, we like to give money, and we know that money pushes your movements forward, but we wanted to connect on a personal level.”

American Humane is so grateful for Spurrier Group’s dedicated support, which has enabled us to prepare newly certified Rescue volunteers.

To learn more about our Rescue Program, please visit americanhumane.org/program/animal-rescue and to support this critical work, please visit americanhumane.org/get-involved

The post Thank You to Spurrier Group for Rescue Training Donation appeared first on American Humane.

Recently, we reunited two retired military working dogs, Aida and Poker, with their former U.S. Marine Corps handler—and best friends—veteran Dalton and Sgt. Isaac. CBS’s Omar Villafranca joined us in Tyler, Texas to capture the heartwarming reunification. The segment aired on July 4th during CBS Mornings, shedding light on these heroes’ stories and the importance of finding forever homes for our nation’s military working dogs.  

“We’ve reunited dozens of retired military working dogs with their former handlers, but this exciting double reunion was still a first for American Humane,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “It was an honor to help two best friends bring their other best friends home. All four of these military heroes deserve our gratitude and support after serving our country.” 

American Humane’s Military Working Dog Reunification Program helps reconnect retired military dogs with their former handlers. Through this donor-supported program, we cover all transportation costs and veterinary bills for the rest of each dogs’ life, helping to ensure these K-9 veterans can have the comfortable retirements they deserve.  

Visit the Military Dog Reunification page to learn more and to support this program, please visit: https://americanhumane.org/mwdpokeraida. 

The post CBS News Tells Story of American Humane’s Double Military Working Dog Reunification appeared first on American Humane.

That was Mia, a two-year-old Siberian Husky, not long ago. Restricted as an outside-only dog with very little protection from harsh weather, Mia had faced unimaginable hardships her whole life. Thankfully, a rescue group heard about Mia and sprung to action as quickly as they could.

But before they could reach her, Mia had given birth to six puppies and their rescue grew from a mission for one to a mission for a family. To make circumstances even more dire, Mia was also suffering from mastitis, a ruptured mammary gland, and gastrointestinal issues, signs of the years of hardship Mia had endured.

With assistance from American Humane’s Second Chance Grant program, and through the valiant efforts of the local rescue group, Mia and her pups received the urgent and critical care they needed.

They were transported to a rescue in New Jersey, where they received immediate veterinary care and were quickly embraced by a loving foster family, before successfully finding their forever homes. Mia displayed remarkable strength and resilience, and against all odds, she and all six puppies survived.

At American Humane, we stand firm in our belief that all animals deserve compassion and humane treatment. Animals like Mia, who, despite suffering unimaginable cruelty, can find compassion and love in a second chance at life.

Because of the kindness and generosity of donors who make this lifesaving work possible, Mia and her puppies are now thriving. Slowly but surely, the clouds that hung over Mia’s life have parted, giving way to a bright future full of hope.

The post Years of neglect and rain give way to a sunny future for a Siberian Huskey and Her Six Pups appeared first on American Humane.

These dogs in need of loving homes undergo rigorous training to become lifesaving service dogs. They learn critical skills to help veterans navigate daily challenges, from supporting them during anxiety attacks to providing a calming presence. The program ensures the human-animal bond flourishes through personalized training sessions, creating a lasting partnership.

There are many obstacles standing in the way of veterans in need of service dogs, including long waiting lists and intensive training costing upwards of $30,000 per service dog. Coleman All Natural Meats, a committed supporter since 2020, recognizes the profound impact these lifesaving service dogs have on veterans’ lives and has provided over $800,000 in much needed support, enabling American Humane to take on these costs.

John, a U.S. Army veteran, was paired with the service dog Savior and together they are a shining example of the life-changing power of the human-animal bond.

In John’s own words: “American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program has been life changing. I was treated as a person, not a disability, and was given a lifeline I so desperately needed – Savior. I now see a bright future and am able to leave my house without fear. I owe everything to you. Thank you for giving my life back.”

Our program is made possible through the generous support of donors like Coleman All Natural Meats. For more information on Pups4Patriots click on this link.

The post This Military Appreciation Month, American Humane and Coleman All Natural Meats Share Support for Veterans appeared first on American Humane.