ifaw partners with Animals Lebanon to rescue animals in wake of Beirut explosion

Updated: August 25th, 2020

Thanks to the generous support we have received so far, our partners at Animals Lebanon have been able to continue their lifesaving work to help animals impacted by the Beirut explosion. The impact so far has been amazing...

• 430+ requests for help received so far.
• 320 volunteers have worked to search, rescue, and care for animals.
• 86 animals have received vital veterinary care

These animals in Lebanon, and others we’re caring for, will need ongoing care. That’s why many supporters choose to help by making a small monthly sustaining gift. Would you like to sign up?

Updated August 15th, 2020

The response in Lebanon continues as our partner, Animals Lebanon, rescues animals from the rubble, provides emergency veterinary care to injured animals and reunites pets with their families. The days are long, with the teams working around the clock, ensuring animals are being rescued 24/7. Because of your support, the team was able to start rescuing survivors 2 hours after the explosion and the team has spent over 5,000 hours in the field responding to over 350 rescue requests from residents looking for their lost furry family members. 

The response of people supporting our efforts has been overwhelming, both on the ground and around the world. Over 289 volunteers have joined Animals Lebanon, assisting in search and rescue, intake and reunification. We are so grateful for people who have stepped in to help. So far, 104 animals have been reunited with their families, but we know we have more families to reunite. This is the work that keeps us going – seeing families together, reunited so they can comfort each other as they heal from this unimaginable tragedy.

On August 4th, the city of Beirut in Lebanon experienced a devastating explosion that blasted a 6-mile radius around the city’s port. In an instant, glass windows were smashed, buildings collapsed and debris turned into deadly projectiles flying through the air.

Human relief agencies are rushing to help the people affected by the explosion, and we're rushing aid to the animals. We’ve proudly partnered with Animals Lebanon for years, including supporting them during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Animals Lebanon was dangerously close to the blast. Their office suffered a tremendous amount of damage, yet they immediately turned their full attention to saving as many animal survivors as they could. The teams are working 24/7 to rescue pets and other animals. During the day, they continue to search through destroyed homes, buildings and business. At night, rescue teams comb the streets for wandering survivors.

In addition to the ongoing search and rescue efforts, Animals Lebanon has created a dispatch for owners to report lost pets or to inquire if their pet is among those the team has already rescued. This dispatch system is already working as several dozen pets have been reunited with their families. To report a lost pet or a wandering survivor, please email contact@animalslebanon.org.

Below is a short Q&A below with important details for this tragedy.

What will happen to the animals rescued?

The primary goal is to reunite pets with their families. The Animals Lebanon team has already reunited dozens of families, and will reunite as many animals as possible with their families.

What if I want to adopt an unowned dog or cat?

Most of the surviving animals you see online are owned and the team is working to reunite them with their families.

Please refer to https://www.animalslebanon.org/adopt, the Animals Lebanon web page for information on adopting unowned animals.

How close was the office to the blast?

The Animals Lebanon office is 2.5 miles from the explosion

Were any of the team injured?

Fortunately, no, the team is safe and continues to work 24/7 rescuing animals

What happened to the office cats at the Animals Lebanon Office?

The cats at the Animals Lebanon office have been provided veterinary treatment for their injuries and are being cared for by the team.

How can I help?

The best and quickest way you can help is by donating today. Animals rescued from the blast need to be rescued, provided veterinary treatment and reunited with their families. This is what the Animals Lebanon teams are doing right now, but they need ongoing support for this work. Your donation today could support teams on the ground and help provide emergency care to animals recovering from disaster everywhere.