How to Help Pets Displaced in the LA Wildfires

The catastrophic wildfires in Southern California have displaced, according to reports, tens of thousands of people who’ve lost their homes. (This comes after estimates of up to 200,000 folks being temporarily uprooted due to evacuation orders.) And when humans are displaced, so are their pets. Today, the already overcrowded animal shelters in the Los Angeles area are well past capacity. Keep scrolling for a list of how you can help, including vetted links where you can safely donate.

During the wildfires, many animals were handed over to already overcrowded shelters as safe houses, with pet parents intending to reunite with them after the danger subsides. The Pasadena Humane Society took in over 1,000 animals, including more than 550 pets for emergency boarding, and by late February, they still had over 250 in their care.

Some animals were abandoned — a number of them injured in the fires due to, the Pasadena Humane writes, “smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration, and more.” Others were simply lost, then found amid the rubble, with rescuers hoping to find their pet parents. Saving these pets has become a Herculean task requiring a massive amount of human and monetary resources.

This is an emergency, and shelters and rescues urgently need help. Whether it’s adopting, fostering, or donating money and supplies (to treat, feed, and house pets), your support has never been more crucial. Adopt a Pet reached out to these organizations to list their most pressing needs.

Help by donating money

Many of these organizations are nonprofits that are running dry on essential funds that help nourish and house displaced pets — in addition to the medical fees associated with treating animals wounded in the fires.

• Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue [donate]

• Animal Care Zone [donate]

• Bayberry Feline Rescue & TNR Project [donate]

• Boyle Heights Cats [donate]

• Canine Rescue Club [donate]

• The Cat’s Meow [donate]

• The Cat Posse [donate on website or donate on GoFundMe]

• DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [donate]

• Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary [donate]

• LAAS Los Angles Animal Services [donate]

• Pasadena Humane [donate]

• Philozoia Animal Rescue [donate]

• Paws for Life K9 Rescue [donate]

• The Rescue Train [donate]

• Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue [donate]

• Southern California Bulldog Rescue [donate]

• spcaLA [donate]

• Wags & Walks [donate]

• The Little Red Dog [donate]

Help by adopting a pet

If you’ve been flirting with the idea of becoming a pet parent — or expanding your pet family — now is the time. Some of these packed shelters are even offering no-fee adoptions for pets who are craving the warmth, affection, and security that come with a permanent home.

• Boyle Heights Cats [search pets]

• The Cat Posse [search pets]

• DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [search pets]*

• LAAS Los Angeles Animal Services [search pets]*

• Paws for Life K9 Rescue [search pets]

• The Rescue Train [search pets]

• Southern California Bulldog Rescue [search pets]

• Pasadena Humane [search pets]

*no-fee adoptions

Read this related article on Kismet Pets

LA Foster & Adoption Support

Kismet makes food for dogs and is providing a free bag to anyone who’s fostered or adopted a dog in the aftermath of the LA fires. Learn more.

Help by fostering an animal

If you’re unable to adopt, fostering is absolutely the next best thing you can do to help these homeless animals return to a sense of normalcy and safety. Each faces an uncertain future and needs a safe, loving space.

• Boyle Heights Cats [apply here]

• Canine Rescue Club [apply here]

• The Cat Posse [apply here]

• DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [apply here]

• LAAS Los Angles Animal Services [apply here] 

• Paws for Life K9 Rescue [apply here]

• The Rescue Train [apply here]

• Sandy and the Crew Animal Rescue [apple here]

• Shelter Hope Pet Shop [apply here]

• Southern California Bulldog Rescue [apply here]

Help by donating supplies

Some rescues have very specific areas of need. If you prefer your donation to go to a specific item or purchase, here are some worthy places to start.

• Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue

  • Address: Ace of Hearts PO Box 2357 Beverly Hills, CA 90213

  • Need: dog beds (all sizes), leashes, martingale collars (all sizes), flea medication, antibiotics like Clavamox, and other common vet medications.

• Bayberry Feline Rescue & TNR Project

  • Address: Bayberry Feline Rescue 4053 Bayberry Dr. Chino Hills, CA 91709

  • Need: canned and dry cat food

• Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary

  • Amazon wishlist

  • Need: cat food and supplies

• Keep Rescuing

  • Email for donations

  • Need: food, cleaning supplies 

• Saint Felix Cat Rescue & Animals with Disabilities

  • Address: Saint Felix Cat Rescue 27320 Winding Way Malibu, CA 90265

  • Need: cat bowls and beds

• Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue

  • Address: Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue 1621 W 25th St #628 San Pedro, CA 90732

  • Need: dog food, treats, beds, leashes, collars

• Viva la Vida Rescue

  • Amazon wishlist

  • Need: cat food, litter, and more

• Wags & Walks

  • Address: 2236 Federal Ave Los Angeles, CA 90064

  • Need: Dog supplies

Note: All of the above links have been vetted by Adopt a Pet’s editorial staff for authenticity. Always donate via official sites — and not to individuals — to avoid scams.

Where pet parents can go with their pets

If you (or someone you know) has been affected by these wildfires and are in need of safe shelter, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is letting pet parents know that they can bring their pets to Westwood Recreation in LA. For the latest evacuation updates, check out this link, and for a personalized action plan, see LA Disaster Relief Navigator.