Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Humane World for Animals assists the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division with the rescue of over 30 dogs from an alleged dogfighting operation in Chesterfield County, SC on April 28, 2026.
Felipe Marquez
Saving animals around the world
Discover how Humane World for Animals leads rapid-response rescues from disasters, cruelty, and neglect.
Did you know?
We rescue, transport, and rehabilitate thousands of animals every year. Our sanctuaries provide safe, lifelong homes for animals with nowhere else to go.
475,000+
animals
rescued or cared for after disasters worldwide since 2017
4,000+
cruelty complaints
addressed each year
700+
domestic and exotic animals
cared for at our sanctuaries in Liberia, Texas, and Oregon
Always ready
Whether it’s a hurricane, cruelty or neglect case, or animal fighting operation, we respond wherever animals need help.
Jaihari
Anthony Rathbun/AP Images for the HSUS
Rescued after a hurricane.
Kathy Milani
Animal sanctuaries: Safe havens for rescued animals
Our three animal rescue sanctuaries — spanning thousands of acres in Texas, Oregon, and Liberia — serve as lifelong homes for rescued animals, from horses and chimpanzees to exotic wildlife.
Located in Texas, this 1,400-acre sanctuary provides refuge for hundreds of domestic and exotic animals rescued from the exotic pet trade, labs, roadside zoos, and other exploitative situations.
This 1,120-acre haven in Oregon is home to over 100 rescued horses and equines, saved from neglect, abuse, and abandonment
In Liberia, this sanctuary offers lifelong care to dozens of chimpanzees who endured decades of invasive research. Now, these animals enjoy peace, companionship, and expert veterinary care in a natural environment.
Kevin Wolf/AP Images
Beyond the Rescue
Rescue Isn’t the End of the Story
Rescue is only the beginning. From emergency medical care to daily rehabilitation, every animal’s journey to recovery requires time, expertise, and ongoing support.
Global animal rescue
Humane World for Animals operates rescue teams, community outreach programs, sanctuaries, and care centers that directly assist tens of thousands of animals each year. From disasters to cruelty cases, learn how our international animal rescue charity responds to crises and saves lives.
Rescued in December 2024, Sabine the pig found her happily ever after at Black Beauty Ranch.
Families who adopted the rescued dogs all agree: these dogs are remarkably gentle, and they give love no differently than any other companion dogs.
Five years after the devastating Black Summer rescue, Humane World staff returned to Kangaroo Island to reflect, observe and learn how we can provide more support.
Humane World for Animals deployed to Indiana to assist the Fort Wayne Police Department with the rescue of 22 dogs and puppies from a suspected dogfighting situation.
Over the course of a few years, we will be working on island improvements to better hep the chimps at our sanctuary in Africa. These are the first six to enjoy the villa while their island is being upgraded.
After Hurricane Katrina, Humane World for Animals was instrumental in passing the PETS Act to support the inclusion of animals in disaster-related planning.
Now, 3-year-old George and 7-year-old Cali share their large natural habitat at the sanctuary where they can spend the rest of their lives expressing their natural behaviors.
A terrified mother dog was rescued from a cruel puppy mill in Oklahoma. With love, expert care, and patience, she’s now discovering what it means to live freely — and thriving alongside her pups at last.
Humane World for Animals/
Tips for pet owners
Are you disaster-ready?
Disasters can strike without warning and are stressful and chaotic. This free, expert-approved guide gives you the tools to plan ahead so your pets stay safe and by your side through any emergency.
Saving lives wherever animals are in crisis
Learn more about our latest activities. From puppy mills to dog meat rescues and cruelty cases, we save hundreds of animals every year.
Campaigns
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
On-site veterinarians are providing lifesaving care, while our rescue team works carefully to bring cats in need to safety during this Maryland rescue effort.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Inside the home, the floors were soaked in urine and feces, and our team was met with what they described as an overwhelming “sea of dogs.”
Evan Quartermain/Humane World for Animals Australia
South Africa's Western Cape is currently experiencing unprecedented wildfires, with this region calling for provincial disaster declaration. Meanwhile, Victoria, Australia is under a State of
Latest News
Chained, soaked and scarred: 34 dogs rescued from alleged dogfighting in Chesterfield County, South Carolina
United States
On Tuesday, Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with the rescue 34 dogs from a suspected
Experts gather to discuss the inclusion of animals in disaster management
Mexico
Over the course of two days, national and international specialists from the animal protection organization Humane World for Animals participated in the second forum on animals in disasters, held in
New survey reveals: 9 out of 10 Mexicans support strong penalties against animal cruelty
Mexico
Humane World for Animals Mexico is pressing legislators to urgently pass a strong General Animal Welfare Law— to ban animal cruelty and strengthen animal protection nationwide. Revisions to Mexico’s
Donate today to our Emergency Animal Relief Fund!
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.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals