Los Angeles Fires: How You Can Help Animals in Crisis
the devastating fires in the Palisades and Altadena areas have displaced thousands of residents and their beloved pets over the past two weeks. As flames continue to rage, local animal shelters and rescue organizations are overwhelmed, scrambling to provide care for animals left behind or separated from their families.Here’s how you can make a difference:
Immediate Assistance for Lost or stranded Animals
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For those needing help with animals left behind in fire zones, the city of Los Angeles has set up a hotline at 213-270-8155, while Pasadena and Altadena residents can call 626-577-3752. If you’ve lost or found a pet, the city and county are partnering with petco Love Lost, a free national lost-and-found pet database.
Adopt, Foster, or Donate
The Department of Animal Services and the L.A. County Department of animal Care and Control are urgently calling for residents to adopt or foster animals to alleviate overcrowding at shelters. Learn more about fostering opportunities at LAanimalServices.com and animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The Pasadena Humane Society is housing many animals displaced by the Eaton Fire. Donations can be made on their website, and their “strike team” is available to check on missing pets.
Community Drives and shelters
Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, in partnership with Friends in Deed Food Pantry, is collecting pet food for fire victims through Sunday at 695 E. Colorado Blvd.Contact them at 626-449-5320 or 626-797-2402.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has opened a Pet adoption Center in west Los Angeles at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fire evacuees can call 323-730-5300 for temporary pet housing.
Specialized Rescue Efforts
Bunny World Foundation, an all-volunteer rescue, is seeking fosters and adopters for rabbits evacuated from homes. Contact them at [email protected] or donate on their website.
Zooh Corner Cat and Rabbit Rescue, which has helped animals with special needs for decades, lost their home in the fire. Support their rebuilding efforts at gofundme.com.
Wildlife and Large Animal Support
The California Wildlife Center is temporarily closed but accepting donations at thankyou4caring.org. Viva Rescue in Menifee is helping horses and other large animals impacted by the fires. Learn more at vivaglobalrescue.org.
National and Global Organizations
the Humane Society of the United States has an ongoing emergency Animal Relief fund. Donate at secured.humanesociety.org. PETA is also accepting donations and has a list of local vegan businesses aiding fire relief at peta.org.
Simple Acts of Kindness
For those unable to donate, leaving fresh water bowls outside your home can provide relief to displaced pets and wildlife.
Key Resources at a Glance
| Association | Contact/Website | How to Help |
|——————————–|————————————————————————————-|——————————————————————————–|
| Petco Love Lost | petcolove.org/lost | Report lost or found pets |
| Pasadena Humane Society | pasadenahumane.org | Donate or report missing pets |
| Bunny World Foundation | bunnyworldfoundation.org | Foster or adopt rabbits |
| california Wildlife Center | thankyou4caring.org | Donate to support wildlife |
| Humane Society of the U.S. | secured.humanesociety.org | Contribute to the Emergency animal Relief Fund |
The Palisades Fire has left a trail of destruction, but together, we can ensure that animals receive the care and support they desperately need. Every action, big or small, can save lives.
Helping Animals in Crisis: Expert Insights on Supporting Pets and Wildlife During the Palisades and Altadena Fires
The devastating fires in the Palisades and Altadena areas have left countless animals displaced, injured, or in need of urgent care. As local shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to address the crisis, it’s crucial for the community to step in and help. In this interview, Senior Editor of World-Today-News, Sarah Mitchell, speaks with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned veterinarian and animal welfare advocate, to discuss how individuals can make a meaningful impact during this critical time.
The Immediate Needs of Displaced Animals
Sarah: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. The Palisades and Altadena fires have been notably devastating for both people and their pets. What are the most pressing needs for animals affected by these fires?
Dr. Carter: Thank you, Sarah.The immediate needs include shelter, food, and medical care for animals that have been injured, separated from their owners, or left behind. Many local shelters, such as the Pasadena Humane Society, are already at capacity, so fostering and adopting animals is critical. Additionally, pet owners who have been displaced often need temporary housing for their pets, which is where organizations like the SPCA are stepping in.
How the Community can definitely help: Foster, Adopt, or Donate
Sarah: It’s inspiring to see so many organizations working together. For those who want to help but aren’t sure where to start,what are some actionable steps they can take?
Dr. Carter: Fostering is one of the most impactful ways to help.It provides temporary care for animals while their owners get back on their feet. Organizations like LA Animal services and the Pasadena Humane Society have made it easy to sign up as a foster. For those who can’t foster, donating supplies like pet food, blankets, and crates is incredibly helpful. Monetary donations are also vital, as they allow shelters to cover medical expenses and other urgent needs.
Supporting Specialized Rescue Efforts
Sarah: We’ve heard about specialized rescue groups like the bunny World Foundation and Zooh Corner Cat and Rabbit Rescue. How can people support these organizations?
Dr. Carter: These groups play a unique role in caring for species that require specialized attention,such as rabbits or animals with special needs. Bunny World Foundation, for example, is actively seeking fosters and adopters for rabbits that have been evacuated. Zooh Corner, which tragically lost their home in the fire, is raising funds to rebuild and continue their lifesaving work. Donating directly to these organizations or spreading awareness about their efforts can make a huge difference.
Community Drives and Volunteer Opportunities
Sarah: Are there any community-driven initiatives that people can participate in?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely.Community drives, like the one organized by Vroman’s Bookstore and Friends in Deed Food Pantry, are collecting pet food and supplies for fire victims. Volunteering at local shelters or assisting with rescue operations is another great way to get involved. It’s all about coming together as a community to ensure no animal is left behind.
Long-Term Support for wildlife and Rebuilding Efforts
Sarah: Beyond the immediate crisis, what about long-term support for wildlife and organizations affected by the fires?
Dr.Carter: Long-term recovery is just as crucial. Organizations like the California Wildlife Center focus on rehabilitating injured wildlife, and they rely on donations to continue their work. For shelters and rescue groups that have suffered losses,financial support is essential to help them rebuild and continue their missions. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create a brighter future for these animals.
Sarah: thank you, dr. Carter, for your invaluable insights.It’s clear that there are many ways to help, and every effort counts. To our readers, please consider supporting these organizations and spreading the word. Together, we can make a difference.
Dr. Carter: Thank you,Sarah. It’s through collective action that we can ensure animals affected by these tragedies receive the care and compassion they deserve.
