How a Vet and Animal Shelters Are Rescuing L.A. Pets Displaced by Wildfires—and How You Can Help
From shelter to vet care, here’s how pets displaced by the L.A. fires are being rescued—and how to help
Los Angeles residents aren’t the only ones being impacted by the devastating fires—countless animals (both pets and wildlife) in the region are in desperate need too. From a lack of housing to fire-related injuries, dogs, cats and other critters are looking for all of the help they can get. Thankfully, organizations and individual citizens have stepped up to provide support for animals and pet owners across the region. Keep reading to learn how animals in L.A. are being helped, plus ways you can support those impacted by the fires.
A veterinarian’s selfless offer to house displaced pets
As people around the Los Angeles area are forced to evacuate, many are struggling to find a temporary and secure place for their beloved pets to stay. Thankfully, a California veterinarian has offered to provide shelter for these displaced animals to keep them safe as firefighters battle the blazes.
Annie Harvilicz, who runs the Laguna Vista Veterinary Center in Harbor City and the Animal Wellness Centers in Marina del Rey, shared a message on Facebook on January 7 for those who may be in need.
“I have an empty old vet hospital in Marina del Rey. I am happy to house any animals that need to be evacuated. If you know anyone who needs to leave and doesn’t have a place for their pets please have them email me at drannieawc@gmail.com and I can open up the old hospital for temporary housing. Also anyone wanting to help here is my foundation www.animalwellnessfoundation.org,” she wrote in the post.
The generous veterinarian told the Los Angeles Times that she has taken in her brother’s rabbit Oreo, as well as around 20 cats and 20 dogs. She also added that most people who have reached out are those with multiple animals. Temporary housing situations like hotels may allow for a single pet, but not a group of furry friends.
Anyone in the area who needs assistance can also contact the Harbor City hospital location by phone at (310) 737-8600 or the Marina del Rey location at (310) 450-7387.
Pasadena Humane treats burned and dehydrated animals
For animals that have sadly been unable to get away from the damaging effects of the fires, Pasadena Humane has been quick to help. In a social media post on Facebook, the long-standing animal shelter shared on Wednesday that the staff is beginning to see many animals come in for treatment after suffering from burns and dehydration.
They are being given wound care, pain medication, fluids and other treatments to help nurse them back to health. Luckily, they’re able to recover in a safe environment run by both veterinary staff and volunteers.
But due to the widespread impact and severity of the fires, Pasadena Humane expects this is just the beginning of treatment and more animals will need critical care. According to the shelter’s website, they currently have more than 300 animals as of January 8 and are asking for help.
“Our greatest need right now is for monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires,” the post reads.
How you can help: Anyone who is looking to donate to the shelter can do so on its website. (Those in the area who come across injured wildlife are encouraged to text the wildlife helpline at 626-344-1129.
Two citizens risk their lives to save horses
In a shocking live news report by Fox 11 Los Angeles, residents of Altadena were captured risking their lives to rescue several horses from a barn near the Eaton fire. During the broadcast, two people were seen moving animals away from the embers and flames.
“We have a couple we just let loose over there,” one of the rescuers said, leading a horse down the road. “We’re trying to get as many as we can out.”
The other had two horses following him to safety. “We’re not going to let them burn,” he added, as they all continued to evacuate the area.
Other ways animals are being helped
Many individuals and organizations have been quick to take action to support furry friends affected by the fires. Here are some of those who are offering to help—and ways you can give back to support their efforts.
1. The Lange Foundation. This nonprofit organization serves as a pet adoption service in Los Angeles. On its Instagram page, a post was made encouraging anyone in need of pet supplies or boarding for their animals to reach out at 310-473-5585.
The foundation is looking for donations of cat food, dog food, litter and other pet supplies. They are also on the hunt for anyone who can temporarily foster displaced pets. Those who are able to help can contact the nonprofit at info@langefoundation.org.
2. Livestock hauling. Brittany Cole Bush, founder of Shepherdess Land & Livestock, is offering to help haul horses and other livestock thatwho need to be evacuated due to the fires. She can be reached via DM (username @bcbshepherdess) on Instagram.
3. SPCA LA. The pet adoption center is accepting pets for housing at the LA location at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd. Donations can also be made online via the organization’s website.
4. LA Equestrian Center. Larger animals who need shelter can find safety at the Burbank location, located at 480 Riverside Dr. However, the center asks that those in need of assistance contact them first.
5. One Dane at a Time. The California nonprofit (which focuses on rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming) is located away from the fires, and can take in any animals who are displaced from their homes. (A generous donor in Pomona has also offered her residence as a safe haven). People need only to reach out directly to the organization to coordinate.
How you can help
Whether you live in the LA area or elsewhere, there are several ways to support the rescue and care of animals affected by the fires:
- Donate: Organizations like Pasadena Humane, the Lange Foundation, and SPCA LA rely on financial contributions to provide food, shelter, and medical care for animals in need.
- Volunteer: If you’re local, many shelters and nonprofits need hands-on help to care for displaced animals.
- Foster: Temporarily fostering a displaced pet can free up space in shelters for other animals in need.
- Spread the word: Sharing social media posts from rescue organizations can help connect those in need with available resources.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
