Family Dog Travels 2,300 Miles, then Separated from Owners Following Immigration Detention
By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer
After traveling 2,300 miles with his family from Venezuela to the United States, a beloved dog named Simba is facing another heartbreaking separation.
In 2022, Yurimar, her husband, their three children, and Simba traveled through Colombia, Central America, and Mexico, including the dangerous Darién Gap, seeking political asylum in the U.S. Determined to keep their dog with them, the family carried Simba in a backpack throughout their journey.
Upon arriving in the U.S., the family temporarily placed Simba in the care of Bridge Pups Rescue, an organization that helps asylum-seeking families remain connected with their pets. Once they secured pet-inclusive housing, Simba was reunited with his family.
A Family Separated Once Again
On September 10, 2026, Yurimar and her children were detained during an immigration appointment in Florida and transferred to a detention facility in Texas. With her husband's whereabouts unknown at the time, Simba was taken to Orange County Animal Services after a neighbor discovered him alone at home.
Fortunately, Yurimar had previously contacted Bridge Pups Rescue out of concern for Simba's future. The organization stepped in to coordinate his care, arranging temporary foster placement and working toward reunification.
Bridge Pups Rescue has expressed its commitment to reuniting Simba with his family, even if that requires transporting him back to Venezuela.
Keeping Families and Pets Together
Simba's story highlights the importance of protecting the human-animal bond during times of crisis. Immigration detention, housing instability, and other emergencies can leave families separated from their beloved animals, often without a clear plan for their care.
Our partners at My Dog Is My Home shared Simba's story in September, raising awareness about the challenges families and their pets face when navigating difficult circumstances.
At Ohio Animal Advocates, we believe protecting animals also means supporting the people who love and care for them. Simba's story is a reminder of why compassionate, pet-inclusive resources and community partnerships are essential to keeping families together.
Get Involved
1. Help keep families and their pets together by increasing access to veterinary care. You send a letter to your legislator by completing our action alert.
2. Learn more about how to advocate for struggling families and their pets on our Homeless & Low-Income Pets advocacy page.
3. Share this story and action alert with friends and family!
4. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
