IFAW supports emergency animal response after Venezuela earthquakes

Search and rescue dogs are trained for some of the world's most challenging emergencies, from earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and building collapses. Their work follows internationally recognized standards established by the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO), ensuring dogs and handlers are prepared for the physical and technical demands of disaster response. Finding a survivor, however, is only the beginning of a highly coordinated rescue operation carried out by specialized emergency teams.

"Search and rescue dogs are extraordinary partners," said Dr. Erika Flores, IFAW Program Officer for Animal Rescue and a trained member of the BRIC Urban Search and Rescue team. "Their ability to detect human scent in places where people simply can't search alone allows rescue teams to work faster during those critical first days after a disaster. Every deployment requires complete trust between the handler and the dog, and that partnership has the potential to save lives."

When Muunek returns home this weekend, her work won't be over just yet. Like the human responders she works alongside, search and rescue dogs require careful medical assessment after operating in unstable, debris-filled environments. IFAW will support Muunek's post-deployment veterinary examination, including diagnostic tests to help identify any injuries or hidden hazards she may have encountered during her lifesaving mission.

"As search and rescue operations transition into recovery, the emotional toll on local responders is immense," said Dr. Flores. "Our partners are working in communities where grief is everywhere, yet they continue showing up every day to care for animals and support families during an incredibly difficult time. Their resilience and commitment are extraordinary." 

The challenges facing responders extend far beyond the initial rescue effort. The work is physically demanding and emotionally exhausting as they support communities profoundly affected by loss. Yet despite these circumstances, local veterinarians, volunteers, and animal welfare organizations continue caring for injured and displaced animals while helping reunite pets with the families searching for them. 

As Venezuela begins the long journey ahead, IFAW remains committed to supporting both the animals affected by the disaster and the dedicated people working tirelessly to help them. By investing in trusted local partners and recognizing the vital role of search and rescue dogs like Muunek, we can help ensure animals and the communities who depend on them continue receiving the care they need in the weeks and months ahead.

IFAW supports emergency animal response

June 29, 2026

As recovery efforts continue following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, IFAW has awarded an emergency grant to long-time partner Red de Apoyo Canino (RAC) to help animals affected by the disaster. More than 1,450 people have been confirmed dead, over 3,150 have been injured, and at least 12,700 people are displaced or missing as communities begin the long road to recovery. 

"By supporting trusted local partners who already know their communities, we can help ensure animals receive lifesaving care while also helping people begin the long process of recovery. These trusted local partnerships allow us to reach animals quickly while allowing humanitarian responders to remain focused on lifesaving efforts." 

Helping animals on the ground 

This is the third time IFAW has partnered with RAC, a Venezuelan animal welfare organization with more than 20 years of experience serving animals and communities.  

Our emergency support is helping RAC fund:  

• medical supplies,  
• animal food,  
• clean water,  
• the establishment of emergency veterinary clinics,  
• and the transport of aid to affected communities. 
  

Venezuela earthquakes leave people and animals in urgent need

June 25, 2026

Two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 have struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread destruction across Caracas, La Guaira state, and surrounding communities. Homes, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure have collapsed or sustained severe damage, leaving at least 164 people dead, nearly 1,000 injured, and thousands still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue. Power outages, damaged communications, and ongoing aftershocks are hampering rescue operations, while international humanitarian teams begin arriving to support the response. 

While the immediate priority is saving human lives, disasters of this scale also have profound consequences for animals. Community animals can become trapped or separated from their families, livestock and working animals may lose access to food, water, and veterinary care, and wildlife habitats can be disrupted. As emergency operations progress and needs assessments become clearer, experience from previous earthquakes suggests there will likely be growing demand for emergency veterinary care, temporary sheltering, pet reunification, and support for local animal responders. 

IFAW is closely monitoring the situation and is already in contact with long-time partner Red de Apoyo Canino, an organization with extensive experience supporting animals during emergencies in Venezuela. Together, we are discussing plans to deploy emergency veterinary services and deliver animal food and other essential supplies to communities affected by the disaster as needs are confirmed and conditions allow. 

 IFAW has partnered with Red de Apoyo Canino during previous emergencies in Venezuela, including severe flooding in 2022 and widespread storms in 2025. Together, we helped deliver emergency animal food and veterinary support to communities struggling to care for their animals during times of crisis. 

As the humanitarian response evolves, IFAW stands ready to support animals and the people who care for them. Working alongside trusted local partners, we will continue assessing emerging needs and are prepared to provide assistance where it can make the greatest difference during both the emergency response and the recovery ahead.