Important Resources for Pet Owners Affected by the California Wildfires

As I’m writing this story, there are thousands of Los Angeles residents who are being ordered to evacuate their homes as the California wildfires continue. The Watch Duty app has real-time information on the current blazes. As a pet owner, I wanted to compile information for anyone who has to evacuate with their pet—and for animal lovers who can offer support and help at this time.

What to Do if You Need to Evacuate With or Without Your Pets

Resources List for Animal Evacuations

As this list grows longer, I’ve organized it into specific needs. This resource list will be continually updated as more information is provided. If you’d like to send me a resource, add a comment to this pet-specific Thread.

Organizations & Individuals That Can Take In Animals

• If you are in a situation where you need to leave without being able to take your pet with you, here is a Google Docs open list of local areas that are providing shelter to large animals, animal boarding, and detailed information.

• This LA community group on Facebook, LA Home to Home, has formed to connect pet owners who have been displaced by the fires with potential fosters to keep their pets safe. From their Facebook post: “This group serves to connect pet owners under evacuation orders and temporary fosters to provide pets with a safe and loving environment while their owners secure safe living arrangements. Home-to-home fostering helps reduce shelter overcrowding and allows pets to stay in a nurturing home setting rather than a kennel.”

• Travel curator Kristen Fung posted on Threads that several hotel chains will welcome pets. Per Fung’s post, “Kimptons are the pet friendliest that allow more than one pet, no extra fees, or weight limits. The Ws will take more than one pet at a pet deposit and $50 per day per pet Palisociety and Line hotels take one pet at a fee and weight limits.” She also points out that large animals can be sheltered at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

• Milo’s Sanctuary has 2 1/2 acres that can house large animals and small animals, as well as space for RVs, campers, and tents. Email Michelle, the president of Milo’s Sanctuary, at [email protected] if you are in need of help for you and your animals.

• Nonprofit organization, One Dane at a Time, is offering to take in any animals—as well as a generous donor who has offered placement in her Pomona home. Reach out directly to the organization to coordinate. They are located away from the fires so they are a safe haven for pets right now.

• Santé D’Or Rescue in Atwater Village is able to take in cats to place in foster care for displaced families. Reach out via email at [email protected].

• Per Threads, the pet hotel, Four Paws One Tail, can host and care for 20 more pets for free at the Four Paws 1 Tail in 8424 Haskell Ave, North Hills, CA 91343.

• Dogtopia in East Pasadena, located at 3410 E Foothill Blvd., is offering emergency dog care for families who have been displaced, evacuated, or have lost their homes.

• Mutual Aid LA has a running list on Instagram of animal rescue centers. Check out the comments in the post for specific rescue organizations offering to take in animals.

• Annie Harvilicz, a local woman in Marina del Rey, is offering temporary housing for pets at a former veterinary hospital. Email her [email protected] for more information.

Free Pet Supplies & Vet Care

• If you are in need of pet supplies or need temporary shelter for your pets, you can reach out to the Lange Foundation at 2106 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

• Best Friends Los Angeles has a Pet Pantry open from 8am to 6pm with food, litter, collars, leashes, and more. No appointment needed. Pet pantries located at:

  • Best Friends Pet Adoption Center at 1845 Pontius Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90025

  • Best Friends Clinic at 17411 Chatsworth St. Suite 100 Granada Hills, CA 91344

What You Can Do to Help Animals in Need

Right now, several shelters are asking for anyone who can help foster and take in animals as they see an influx of animals coming in. If you can volunteer, offer space in your home, or donate, take the time to give to these organizations who are on the ground, taking in emergency cases. Secret Los Angeles has also put together a comprehensive guide to helping animals right now.

Rescues & Shelters That Need Assistance Now

• If you can temporarily foster an animal, join this LA community group on Facebook, LA Home to Home. The group formed to connect pet owners who have been displaced by the fires with potential fosters to keep their pets safe.

• Pup Culture Rescue, based in Pasadena, CA, is running a foster match program. Foster volunteers can sign up and Pup Culture will help provide pet supplies.

• The Lange Foundation is asking for donations for cat food, dog food, litter, and pet supplies. If anyone can help with temporary fostering right now, they are are asking you contact them at [email protected].

• Healing Hounds Dog Rescue are looking for emergency fosters for some large active dogs from the Altadena area. Apply to foster.

• Wags & Walks LA is rescuing as many dogs from local shelters as they can. They are asking for anyone who can volunteer to foster a dog for two weeks to apply online to be available to foster. The organization is also asking for donations of crates, playpens, and pee pads, so they can transport more animals. Drop-off donations at: 2236 Federal Ave, Los Angeles, CA on Fri 1/10: 11 AM–6 PM, Sat 1/11, & Sun 1/12: 10 AM–5 PM.

• Pasadena Humane Society. They have taken in more than 300 animals so far. Follow them on Instagram for current updates.

  • PHS has asked for anyone who can take in a dog or cat to contact them. From the shelter, “We ask that anyone who can safely foster a dog or a cat for at least one week to please come to the Pasadena Humane Foster Office or email [email protected]. Our greatest need is for large dog fosters.”

  • If you find injured wildlife, text the PHS wildlife helpline at 626-344-1129. If you find any other animal, including dogs and cats, please call PHS Animal Control at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.

  • If you find a non-wild animal, such as a dog or cat, please call Animal Control at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.

  • If you have lost your animal, go directly to Pasadena Humane Society from 9:30am-5:30pm for assistance.

  • Drop off donations needed: food, water bowls, extra large crates, and blankets. Place into the donation bins located in the front underground parking lot.

• SPCA LA. You can bring pets to the Los Angeles location at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, 90016.

This resource list will be continually updated as more information is provided. If you’d like to send me a resource, add a comment to this pet-specific Thread.