Miguel Abi-hassan

CHIEF ANIMAL RESCUE, CARE AND SANCTUARY OFFICER

Miguel Abi-hassan is the chief animal rescue, care and sanctuary officer for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.

He leads our work to rescue animals from cruel conditions and disasters, manage animal care centers and provide veterinary programs and access to pet resources for animals in need.

Abi-hassan has more than two decades of experience leading large animal welfare facilities. Most recently, he was the CEO of Halifax Humane Society, achieving a 90% live release rate while maintaining an open-admission policy. He has also worked as a consultant for U.S. and international organizations—including the HSUS and HSI—providing expertise for a wide range of programs and services, such as compassion fatigue prevention, field communications and rabies surveillance.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hiram College in Ohio and his master’s work has continued a focus on animal behavior and industrial psychology. He holds a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator accreditation from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Abi-hassan was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and now lives in Central Florida with his three adopted pets: a sheltie, an umbrella cockatoo and a blue-tongued skink.