Help Pets Affected By LA Fires: 5 Essential Ways To Support

The wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have not only destroyed homes and claimed lives but have also left countless pets displaced, separated from their families, or in desperate need of care. Starting around January 7, these fires prompted an unprecedented surge in animal intakes at local shelters. Pasadena Humane, for instance, received over 300 animals in just 24 hours, including unusual cases like pigs and ponies, turning their facility into a chaotic haven as reported by The New York Times. Shelters are overwhelmed, with lines of evacuees waiting to surrender pets they can’t take with them. Organizations across the region are stepping up, but they need community support through donations, fostering, volunteering, and more to make room for fire-displaced animals.

This crisis underscores the vital role pets play as family members. As Elias Weiss Friedman of The Dogist noted, ‘Pets are a sense of home to lots of people, and if you’ve lost your home but you still have your dog, in a way, it’s like things can be replaced.’ With high winds fueling the blazes in areas like Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena, the need is urgent. Below, we outline key ways to help, from immediate donations to long-term fostering and adoption.

Evacuation Centers and Pet-Friendly Shelters

Finding pet-friendly evacuation options is critical during wildfires. Many evacuees face tough choices when shelters don’t accept animals, leading to heartbreaking surrenders. Dr. Annie Harvilicz of Animal Wellness Foundation opened an empty animal hospital in Marina del Rey specifically for pets unable to evacuate with owners. The Lange Foundation has fielded panicked calls from over 60 pet parents seeking solutions.

• Pasadena Humane Society: Acted as a primary intake center, taking in hundreds of animals. They managed a diverse influx, reshuffling spaces ‘like Tetris pieces’ to accommodate everyone.
• Local Emergency Shelters: Check updates from LA County authorities for pet-accepting sites. Some schools and community centers have designated pet areas.
• Private Initiatives: Vets and foundations like Animal Wellness are filling gaps by housing pets temporarily.

Residents should prepare evacuation kits with leashes, carriers, food, water, and medical records to evacuate with pets whenever possible. Wildfire smoke poses additional risks, so limit outdoor exposure and use pet-safe masks if needed.

Organizations Accepting Donations and Supplies

Monetary donations are often the most flexible aid, allowing shelters to purchase exactly what they need. Physical supplies can overwhelm storage during crises, so always check current needs first.

Pasadena Humane paused adoptions and volunteer onboarding due to capacity but emphasized ongoing monetary support. The Cat’s Meow, a foster-based cat rescue, specifically requests litter and canned food alongside funds. Luxe Paws continues trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts despite the crisis, stressing prevention of more homeless kittens.

Fostering and Adoption Opportunities

To create space for incoming fire-displaced pets, rescues are pulling long-term shelter animals into fosters and pushing adoptions. This ‘relief valve’ strategy is crucial as intakes surge.

• A Purposeful Rescue: Focusing on pulling dogs from overcrowded shelters. Approved fosters should contact coordinators; new applicants use their website. Needs transport and supply help too.
• Canine Rescue Club: Seeking temporary fosters for families in need. Apply via Instagram link.
• East Bay SPCA: Transported 10 dogs from LA shelters to Oakland, creating space. Adoption and fostering info available online.
• Best Friends Animal Society: Moved hundreds of animals out of LA shelters to Utah and other sites. Local community fostered 73 pets in one day alone. Over 260 animals transferred since January 7.
• Wings of Rescue: Airlifted shelter pets to non-kill facilities in other states ahead of the influx, saving hundreds.

Fostering requires minimal experience—just a safe space, food, and love. Many programs provide supplies. Adoptions often come with promotions during disasters. For example, rescues are waiving fees to expedite placements.

Volunteer and Transport Support

Hands-on help is invaluable. Volunteers assist with intake, cleaning, walking dogs, and socializing cats, easing shelter burdens.

• Drive animals between facilities (e.g., Best Friends transports).
• Assist at fosters’ homes or adoption events.
• Help with TNR for community cats, as Luxe Paws does.
• The Dogist connects fosters/adopters via social media.

Philozoia Animal Rescue lost their building to the fires and urgently needs foster homes. Sign up through organization-specific forms; background checks may apply for trusted roles.

Wildfire Safety Tips for Pets

Prevention saves lives. Prepare year-round for fire season:

• Evacuation Planning: Identify pet-friendly hotels or friends outside zones. Practice drills.
• Smoke Protection: Keep pets indoors with HEPA filters; wet cloths over noses if evacuating.
• Identification: Microchip, collars with tags, and photos for reunions.
• Go Bags: 7-day supply of food, meds, waste bags, familiar toys.
• Community Cats: Continue TNR to avoid population booms post-disaster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I need to evacuate with my pet?

Grab your go bag, leash/carrier, and head to pet-friendly shelters like those listed by LA County or private options like Animal Wellness Foundation. Never leave pets behind.

Can I drop off supplies at shelters?

Check first—Pasadena Humane is stocked; others specify needs like litter for cats. Monetary donations are best.

How do I become a foster?

Apply via organization websites (e.g., A Purposeful Rescue, Canine Rescue Club). Short-term fostering helps most now.

Are adoptions available during the fires?

Yes, many rescues promote adoptions to free space. Best Friends and East Bay SPCA have urgent placements.

What about wildlife or farm animals affected?

Shelters like Pasadena Humane took in pigs and ponies. Contact local ag extensions or rescues for larger animals.

Is wildfire smoke dangerous for pets?

Yes—causes respiratory issues. Keep indoors, monitor for distress, and evacuate if air quality worsens.

The LA fires highlight pets’ vulnerability in disasters, but collective action—from donations to fostering—makes a difference. As shelters like Pasadena Humane rescue over 800 animals, your help ensures no pet is left behind. Stay updated via official channels and share this guide to amplify impact.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to fluffyaffair,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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