Disaster Preparedness & Response

March 1, 2012

Helping Animals Find a New Place in the Sun

Find out how a Florida shelter strives to help as many animals as it can through its emergency relief, spay/neuter, and feral cat programs.

January 1, 2012

A Matter of Life and Breath

Meet Bobby Silcott, founder of the Maine POM Project, which aims to equip fire departments and rescue organizations throughout the state with oxygen masks for pets.

July 1, 2011

To the Rescue: Lions and Tigers and Rotties—Oh, My!

A major rescue operation in Texas removes more than 300 animals (from puppies to mountain lions) and finds them homes.

March 1, 2011

A Sweet Dream Comes True

A volunteer's vision leads to her adoption of Sugar, one of many dogs rescued from a filthy, overcrowded humane society in Eastern Montana.

March 1, 2011

Yes, We Have Some Chihuahuas

With a little help from its friends, the Sacramento SPCA took in and cared for more than 150 animals from an overcrowded home.

Disaster Preparedness Tips for Animal Care Organizations

Advice and tips to help your organization assist animals in a weather-related emergency.

January 1, 2000

The HSUS Disaster Planning Manual: Profile

Through the years, The HSUS has determined its efforts should go beyond assisting animals already impacted by disasters. A major focus should be on the development of proactive animal disaster plans on local, state, and national levels.

January 1, 2000

The HSUS Disaster Planning Manual: Forms

The following forms are templates for your use in developing and implementing a disaster plan for animals.

January 1, 2000

The HSUS Disaster Planning Manual: Animal Facilities

The following guidelines will help determine how vulnerable an animal facility may be to a variety of disasters.

January 1, 2000

The HSUS Disaster Planning Manual: Community Planning

By considering the issues involving animals in disasters and taking a proactive approach to planning on the community level, instead of a reactive approach after the damage is done, there is a greater chance that animals and their owners will survive a disaster.

Get Help
in an Emergency

With a network of regional offices and a nationwide response team, The Humane Society of the United States can provide shelter professionals and other local authorities with the expertise, leadership, and other tools necessary to coordinate animal response activities during a disaster.

Emergency Services Placement Partner Program

The HSUS responds to animals in need many times a year and we rely upon our relationships with other organizations to provide ongoing care and/or find life-long loving homes for them. If your organization is interested in participating in the Emergency Services Placement Partner Program, please read more about the program and learn how you can apply.

Help Your Community Prepare for the Unexpected

Join The Humane Society of the United States in promoting National Preparedness Month during September.

Emergency Services

The HSUS serves as a resource for animal-related and emergency management organizations and others concerned about the needs of animals before, during, and after disasters.

Job Descriptions and Fact Sheets from Humane Society University

The essential purposes, duties, tasks, responsibilities, and salary information for a variety of animal care and control positions.