I am just heartsick over the plight of the animals lost in the LA fires. People have lost their pets and many others have nowhere to live so are having to house them at shelters. And then there is the wildlife that live in the neighborhoods and foothills that were ravaged by the firestorm.
There are many groups rushing in to help, some even having to evacuate shelters in the path of the fire.
🔗 Lost and found pets: Cleo&Hooman’s lost/found spreadsheet and @eatonfirefoundlostpets are helping reunite pets with their owners.
BFAS has set up a volunteer interest survey for those interested in helping.
Pasadena Humane / @pasadenahumane
Due to overwhelming support, Pasadena Humane has no more capacity for material donations or fosters, and has put a pause on volunteer applications, but is in need of monetary donations.
L.A. Animal Services / @laanimalservices
You can sign up to foster or adopt for from one of 13 city and county shelters. This will open up space for new animals.
Note: According to recent IG comments, the foster process takes weeks to approve, so if you’re not already registered to foster with LA Animal Services, consider looking into the smaller organizations listed in the next section.
There is a new Los Angeles FIRE Evacuation Animal Services Hotline. If you have lost your pets due to the wildfires and are needing assistance to find them, you can call 213-270-8155 and leave the requested information about your pet and your contact number.
spcaLA is accepting material donations of pet food, blankets, towels, and more. See their “needed items” page for details about items they can and cannot accept. They are also always accepting monetary donations.
SPCA has put a pause on foster applicants due to the overwhelming response. Keep an eye on their socials for future opportunities to volunteer, adopt, or foster.
Los Angeles County Animal Care / @lacoanimals
LA County Animal Care has waived adoption fees for the general public. and for local rescues and adoption partners to pull animals from their shelters.
If you’re interested in volunteering, do not show up in person. Email volunteer@animalcare.lacounty.gov for information.
Best Friends Animal Society / @bfas_la
Best Friends is behind an emergency response team assisting other animal organizations, as well as two pet pantries in Sawtelle and Granada Hills.
They have a wishlist on their website with needed items that you can order and send to them.
There are also groups helping wildlife:
Animal Help Now App / PHaR.org / @animalhelpnowapp
South Bay Wildlife Rehab and Education
California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund
International Bird Rescue / @intbirdrescue / Bird Helpline at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473)
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center / @wetlandswildlifecarecenter
The pain and suffering is unfathomable but people all over LA are stepping up to help the animals (and their humans) in vast numbers, which is really good to see. It restores your faith in humanity.