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The Greater Los Angeles area has been reeling from the devastation of multiple wildfires that swept through Southern California in early January. Many pet owners are still searching for their missing animals or seeking medical attention for their sick or injured pets. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help these animals in need, whether you’re a California resident or live around the world.
Here’s how you can help pets and pet owners affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
Donate to the humane society
Atlanta Humane Society
Several regional and national animal services organizations – including Pasadena Humane, LA County Animal Care and Control, ASPCA, American Humane, San Diego Humane Society and the North Valley Animal Disaster Group – are currently on the ground trying to recover and treat the pets.
If you’re local to the area, check to see if local humane societies need supplies, like dog food for the influx of emergency residents. Otherwise, you can donate money from anywhere in the country so they can allocate the funds in a way that suits them.
Redistribute lost pet notifications
Qi Yang
The power of social media is limitless, and there’s no better time to use your social media acumen than in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Keep an eye out for lost pet notifications that come across your feed and be sure to reshare.
You never know who – or where – a simple repost might reach. Lost pets have historically traveled hundreds of miles from home and successfully reunited with their owners. Not a user of social networks? No problem. PawBoost is a national online lost/found pet database and is promoted by LA County Animal Care and Control.
Become a Foster
Many animal shelters have had to relocate their animals to shelters in different states both during and after the fires—maybe even to a shelter in your neighborhood! If you live in Texas, Washington, Utah, or even Northern California, consider opening your home one of these animals to reduce the strain on your local shelter’s resources.
If an unexpected visitor shows up at your door unannounced and you have the funds, you could also informally foster displaced pets until their owners are found instead of bringing them to an overcrowded shelter.
Leave out the fresh water
If you are unable to adopt a stray animal, you can still help provide them with one of their most basic needs: H2O. Another great way to help if you’re local to the west coast is to leave out a few bowls of water for displaced pets and wildlife that haven’t been able to return to their home base yet.
Support Displaced Wildlife
Chris Wilmers
Pets are not the only animals affected by wildfires. Many species of wild animals have lost large parts of their natural habitat. There are many organizations whose sole purpose revolves around the protection and preservation of California’s wildlife and they need our help.
Consider donating your time or resources to one of these organizations:
If you or a loved one needs help because of the LA fires, please visit www.ca.gov/LAfires
