Mars Petcare Sponsors AHA Red Star Rescue Services

Via PR Newswire - When disaster strikes, a longtime champion of America's beloved cats and dogs is ensuring that help will be on the way.

Mars Petcare US, makers of PEDIGREE Food for Dogs and WHISKAS Food for Cats, announced its sponsorship of American Humane Association's lifesaving Red Star Rescue Services to save animals in emergency situations.

The $200,000 Mars sponsorship will help fund the operation of Red Star's famed, 82-foot-long Rescue Rig as it deploys across the country over the next year saving animals following hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other major disasters.

This new relationship has already resulted in the funding of Red Star's emergency deployment to help the animal victims of the recent Colorado wildfires. With the help of Mars Petcare US, rescue personnel were able to help, shelter, and safely reunite one hundred percent of the lost, terrified animals they took in with their owners.


During just the past five years, the Red Star Rescue Rig with its mobile operating theater, full complement of boats and rescue equipment, and its national team of 200 volunteers have saved more than 64,000 animals in desperate need.

Founded in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War, Red Star began saving wounded horses on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Since then, they have been involved in virtually every major relief effort from the Great Ohio Flood of 1937 to Hurricane Katrina, Mount Saint Helens to the Joplin tornado and the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. Red Star teams even worked with the 300 search-and-rescue dogs at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Mars Petcare and its passionate associates have long worked to make a meaningful difference for communities in crisis. The company regularly responds to disasters with financial help, in-kind food donations for hungry, displaced pets, and significant volunteerism.

"We're pleased to work alongside the historic and renowned American Humane Association Red Star emergency relief efforts," said Debra Fair, vice president, Mars Petcare US. "Together, we will save thousands of lives, reunite families torn apart by forces beyond their control, and help affected communities become whole again."

"We and families across America are tremendously grateful for Mars Petcare US support," said American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "As we brace for what is shaping up to be another record storm season, this lifesaving sponsorship is not only timely but will ensure that no matter when the call comes in, help will be on the way. On behalf of the most vulnerable in our society, we thank our caring friends at Mars!"