There are many organizations that can help you with pet care, rehoming, and international pet transport. This section provides information about some of the resources available to you. While we do not endorse particular businesses or organizations, we believe it is important to provide examples of available resources.
Humane Society and ASPCA resources
The Humane Society and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are two of the largest animal welfare organizations in the United States. Both organizations offer a range of services that may be helpful to immigrants facing detention or deportation.
Humane Society
See your local city, county, region or state Humane Society website for details.
Humane Society locations may offer lower cost veterinary services, including spay/neuter surgeries and pet relinquishment services (giving up the pet) for individuals living in the service area of the applicable Humane Society, if this option becomes necessary or desirable.
ASPCA
The ASPCA maintains adoption and service locations in a few designated cities throughout the United States (see aspca.org for more information).
Certain locations in the U.S. offer referrals or veterinary services for free or low cost spay/neuter surgeries, and for low cost veterinary services.
Breed-specific rescue groups
Many dog and cat breeds have dedicated rescue organizations that specialize in rehoming animals of that breed. If you have a purebred or mixed-breed pet, you may be able to find a breed-specific rescue organization that can help you find a new home for your pet. You can search for breed-specific rescue organizations online or ask your veterinarian for a referral.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the federal agency in the United States responsible for regulating the export and import of animals, including pets. The USDA APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel provides detailed information on the requirements for taking a pet out of the United States and bringing a pet into the United States, including country-specific requirements. You can also contact USDA APHIS directly for assistance.
International pet transport services
There are companies that specialize in arranging international pet transport. These companies can help you navigate the documentation requirements, make travel arrangements, and ensure that your pet arrives safely at your destination. While we do not endorse particular businesses, you can find international pet transport companies by searching online. If you use such a service, make sure to verify that the company is reputable and experienced in transporting pets to your destination country.
Low-cost veterinary care and pet food banks
There are many organizations that offer low-cost veterinary care and other pet care resources to individuals who cannot afford full-price services. These include:
- Local humane societies and animal shelters, which often offer low-cost vaccination clinics, spay and neuter services, and other veterinary services;
- Nonprofit veterinary clinics and mobile veterinary units;
- Pet food banks, which provide free or low-cost pet food to individuals in need;
- Veterinary schools, which often offer services at a reduced cost; and
- You can find low-cost veterinary care resources in your area by contacting your local humane society, animal shelter, or by searching online.