Over the past week, wildfires have devastated the greater Los Angeles area, leaving many families without homes and loved ones. In response, community members have been stepping up to help, and one of the most important efforts has been to support animals who have been affected by the fires.
The Pasadena Humane Society, located safely south of the fires, has taken in over 400 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and even unusual pets like goats and cockatoos. One family in Altadena even walked their pony to the shelter to keep it safe.
The shelter has been working hard to care for the animals, with veterinarians treating various injuries, such as singed whiskers, burned paws, and smoke inhalation. One dog even appeared to be a gray color from the smoke but was actually white once cleaned. The shelter is doing everything they can to help the animals recover.
Pasadena Humane has also been working to reunite pets with their owners. They’ve already returned over 150 pets that were separated during the Eaton Fire. To help track down lost animals, every pet brought to the shelter is scanned for a microchip. The shelter encourages all pet owners to ensure their animals are microchipped and vaccinated to make it easier to reunite in emergencies.
While the shelter has received an outpouring of donations, they are currently not accepting more pet supplies but are still accepting cash donations through their website. However, they are urgently requesting medicine and specialized food for the animals.
Many shelters around Los Angeles are encouraging people to foster or adopt pets that have been displaced by the fires. Some shelters are even waiving adoption fees for animals like dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. By fostering or adopting, people can make a real difference in helping animals who have lost everything.
If you have lost a pet due to the fires, the Pasadena Humane Society advises you to contact them or visit their shelter to see if your pet is there. They are working hard to reunite families with their beloved animals and provide a safe haven for pets in need.
“We can provide relief to many animals affected by these fires by helping them find homes or reunite with their families,” said Annette Ramirez, interim general manager of LA Animal Services.
