The Southern California wildfires have caused unprecedented damage. While homes and communities are left smoldering, hundreds of pets are now displaced, injured or in need of urgent care.
The wildfires have displaced hundreds of pets, pushing local shelters to their limits. Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles rescued 155 dogs and cats in a single day. Of those, 70 found foster homes immediately.
Pasadena shelter sees record intake
Pasadena Humane Society has taken in more than 400 animals, many suffering from burn injuries. One of the youngest survivors is a 5-day-old puppy found under a collapsed building.
Although grateful for the outpouring of support, the Pasadena shelter announced on Sunday, Jan. 12, that it has received so many donations and supplies that it can no longer accept additional items.
Out-of-state shelters provide relief
Out-of-state shelters are stepping in to help. A Seattle rescue flight transported dozens of cats and dogs to their city, easing the burden on Los Angeles’ shelters.
Similarly, shelters in Texas, Oregon and Washington have taken in displaced animals. An NBC affiliate in Dallas-Fort Worth reported that 150 additional dogs and cats arrived on Sunday.
Elias Weiss Friedman, better known as The Dogist on social media, partnered with several shelters to transport dogs to a Best Friends Animal Society location in Utah.
It’s not just cats and dogs in need. Some shelters have rescued horses, donkeys and even sheep. With so many animals displaced, shelters are working quickly to identify and reunite pets with their owners or find them new homes.
