ASPCA Disaster Response Team Assists with Typhoon Sinlaku Relief Efforts

May 21, 2026

Update: In the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Saipan Humane Society, Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the United States), and the ASPCA have provided over 2,000 veterinary and supply distribution services, helping at least 1,100 impacted animals through collective response efforts.

Disaster responders from the ASPCA and the Humane World for Animals deployed to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Together with Saipan Humane Society, we spent weeks responding to the urgent needs of animals and their caretakers after Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the region, causing widespread power outages, water and gasoline supply disruptions, and effectively cutting off access to veterinary care and essential resources like pet food. 

With no full-time veterinarian in Saipan, the community relies on Saipan Humane Society to play a critical role in providing services by facilitating visiting veterinarians or transporting animals to Guam for procedures.  

“The work of local and national animal welfare groups in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands highlights the power of collaboration during crisis. In Saipan, where veterinary care is limited and many community animals live alongside pets, coordinated partnerships are essential to provide critical aid and resources for recovery,” said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA National Field & Disaster Response. “We remain committed to supporting both at-risk animals in the region, as well as the people who care for them.”

During this time, the ASPCA’s disaster response team worked alongside local agencies to deliver essential care and supplies for displaced animals — including pet food, water and veterinary preventatives — and supported at-risk animals with medical needs in the field. FedEx is also assisting the ASPCA by providing in-kind shipping of pet food donated by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Open Farm to support pet supply distribution efforts in the region.

“Typhoon Sinlaku has left a devastating impact on our community and the animals who depend on us. What we are witnessing is not only loss, but the undeniable reality that animal welfare is inseparable from disaster response. Animals are part of our families, and their survival is directly tied to our community’s recovery,” said Amber Weston, executive director, Saipan Humane Society. “Right now, the need is critical. Animals are displaced, injured, and without access to basic necessities, while families are doing everything they can to keep and care for them in the midst of crisis. This is a defining moment for our islands. We are not only responding to immediate suffering, but we are also helping to set a new standard for how we protect the most vulnerable moving forward. Continued support will directly determine how many lives we are able to save.”

Humane World for Animals response included deploying several veterinarians to Saipan and assisting Saipan Humane Society with setting up and operating a temporary veterinary clinic, treating animals from over 450 households. Wounded animals required treatment including stitches, limb and tail amputations and eye removal surgeries. Other animals needed care for heat strokes, emergency dental surgery, parasite treatment, vaccinations and emergency spay or neuter services. 

“We’ve seen time after time that the well-being of people is closely intertwined with the well-being of their pets, making collaborative, multi-pronged partnerships essential to help communities recover from disasters like Typhoon Sinlaku,” said Aimee Lauer, global animal disaster managing director, Humane World for Animals. “It was an honor to support Saipan Humane Society’s essential work in the community, together providing veterinary services to hundreds of animals.” 

With our disaster response team, alongside the Humane World for Animals’ response team demobilizing, Saipan Humane Society and Saipan Cares for Animals continue to support recovery efforts by providing ongoing veterinary care, expanding access to spay and neuter services and distributing critical supplies. In a region without consistent veterinary infrastructure, sustained support is essential to continue bringing in veterinary teams and to build more resilient, sustainable systems for animal care across the CNMI.  

We will continue to work with local groups to provide pet food and supplies for impacted communities and remains committed to assisting both the people and pets of Saipan and neighboring islands as recovery efforts persist.

April 29, 2026

At the request of the Guam Department of Agriculture, and in partnership with the National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) and Saipan Humane Society, the ASPCA has deployed our disaster response team to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to assist with disaster relief efforts following the devastation caused by Typhoon Sinlaku.

Typhoon Sinlaku struck Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in mid-April, causing extensive property damage and widespread power outages from coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Many people on the island — who care for their own animals as well as community dogs and cats — have been facing significant challenges accessing pet food and veterinary care.

Our disaster response team has been working alongside local agencies to assess damage and urgent needs, deliver essential care and supplies for displaced and injured animals — such as pet food, water, flea, tick and heartworm preventative — support at-risk animals, and help reunite pets with their families whenever possible. So far, over 260 animals have been impacted through our ongoing food and supply distribution efforts.

“Many of the animals of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands face increased risk because of the significant number of community dogs and cats who need our support during times of crisis just as much as those with owners,” says Tim Rickey, vice president of disaster response for the ASPCA. “Together with NARSC and the Guam Department of Agriculture, we are committed to making sure all companion animals on Saipan and neighboring islands receive the necessary resources for recovery.”

In addition to our food and supply distribution, field responders have treated injured animals and helped with the reunification of three missing dogs with their families, providing hope during a difficult time for pet owners across the region.

Throughout this response, the gratitude shown by the community has been overwhelming. Their resilience and kindness continue to inspire us as we remain committed to continued recovery efforts across Saipan.