PetSmart Grant Supports American Humane’s California Wildfires Relief Efforts

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Press release: American Humane

American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, today announced PetSmart Charities awarded them a $15,000 grant in support of critical disaster relief efforts in Northern California. The American Humane Rescue team deployed to assist with shelter operations and provide care for more than 200 animal victims of the California wildfires that ravaged more than 4 million acres.

“We must continue to take action to ensure animals left homeless, panicked and fighting for their lives during the destructive California wildfires are not forgotten,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “These animals rely us to provide lifesaving shelter and relief from the dire circumstances they face. Our dedicated first responders work around-the-clock to ensure animals pulled from the flames are safe, cared for and loved. We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for helping us provide for the four-legged victims of the raging fires.”

The North Complex Fire, which began in mid-August, is ranked fifth in California as the deadliest fire in modern history. Working under the North Valley Animal Disaster Group at the request of Butte County, American Humane’s rescue team deployed to the western end of the North Complex Fire, at two vital shelters in Oroville, California. These shelters fostered dogs, cats, bunnies and exotic birds, many of whom were injured, hungry and dangerously close to death.

“This year’s wildfires have not only dramatically altered the landscape but also displaced both people and pets, and we know support for relief efforts remains a constant need,” said Jenny Aho, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “Thanks to the work of American Humane, rescued animals are receiving critical care as they wait to be reunited with their people or connected with loving homes.”

Whenever and wherever natural or manmade disasters strike, the American Humane team carefully monitors the situation and prepares to deploy resources in the most effective and efficient way possible. Tending to stranded, injured and lost animals in the wake of a natural disaster requires 24 hour care to help ensure the mental and physical health and well-being of each animal.

The American Humane Rescue team was founded more than 100 years ago during World War I when the U.S. Secretary of War requested assistance caring for injured horses in war-torn Europe. Since then, American Humane’s team of animal first responders have been on the ground for virtually every disaster in our nation’s history, from Pearl Harbor, to 9/11, to Hurricane Katrina, to the devastating California wildfires and everything in between.