Where You Can Adopt Dogs Displaced by the LA Fires
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have displaced thousands of pets, leaving them in urgent need of care and new homes. Various shelters and rescue organizations are actively working to provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for these animals. If you're considering adopting a pet affected by the fires, here's how you can help and where to find these animals.
1. Local Shelters and Their Efforts
Several Los Angeles-based shelters are at the forefront of rescuing and caring for pets displaced by the fires. Many of these shelters are overwhelmed and have been transferring animals to other states to ensure they find homes. Here are some organizations actively involved:
Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS): LAAS operates multiple shelters across Los Angeles and has been actively rescuing and caring for animals affected by the fires. They are offering adoption services and are in need of foster homes.
Pasadena Humane: Pasadena Humane has taken in over 300 pets displaced by the wildfires, many suffering from burns and injuries. They are providing medical treatment, shelter, and reuniting lost pets with their families.
Best Friends Animal Society – Los Angeles: Best Friends has been rescuing animals from the fire zones and transferring them to other areas to reduce overcrowding in local shelters. They are also working with other organizations to ensure these animals are adopted into loving homes.
Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (DACC): DACC operates several animal care centers in Los Angeles County, providing temporary shelter for displaced animals, pet licensing, and adoption services. They are actively rescuing and caring for animals displaced by the fires.
In Defense of Animals: This organization offers temporary housing and emergency relief for animals affected by natural disasters, including the recent fires. They are also advocating for stronger protections for animals during these events.
Canine Rescue Club: Focused on rescuing dogs from disaster zones, Canine Rescue Club is taking in pets displaced by the fires and working on rehoming them. You can support their efforts by donating or fostering.
The Labelle Foundation: Offering temporary boarding for pets at their facility, The Labelle Foundation is assisting in the care of animals displaced by the fires.
VCA Animal Hospitals: Two VCA animal hospitals in Los Angeles are offering free boarding for pets displaced by the fires. Contact VCA Chatsworth at 818-341-7770 or VCA Adler at 818-893-6366 to check availability.
2. Animals Being Transferred to Other States
To alleviate overcrowding in local shelters and increase adoption opportunities, many animals displaced by the fires have been transferred to shelters in other states. Here are some organizations involved in this effort:
Big Dog Ranch Rescue (Florida): Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved 78 dogs from natural disasters in Los Angeles and Texas. The rescue team traveled across the country to assist overloaded shelters, picking up 48 dogs in California.
Seattle Humane (Washington): Seattle Humane has rescued 60 cats and dogs displaced by the California wildfires. They are providing medical care and adoption services for these animals.
Austin Pets Alive! (Texas): Austin Pets Alive! is one of the major organizations that have received animals displaced by the fires. They have a large network of fosters and adopters and work hard to find the right home for each pet.
Best Friends Animal Society (Utah): Best Friends has been instrumental in rescuing animals from California and relocating them to other shelters in the U.S. They are dedicated to providing these pets with the medical care and support they need to thrive in their new homes.
3. How You Can Help, Even If You Can’t Adopt
If adopting is not an option for you, there are still many ways you can help:
Foster a Pet: Shelters are often in need of foster homes for displaced pets, especially those recovering from injuries or trauma. Fostering helps relieve overcrowding in shelters and gives animals a better chance of finding their forever homes.
Donate: Monetary donations help shelters provide the care and resources displaced animals need. Donations of pet supplies, such as food, blankets, and toys, are also needed. Visit the websites of shelters and rescues for specific donation information.
Volunteer: If you're located in or near a shelter involved in the rescue efforts, consider volunteering your time to assist with the care of the animals. Your help can make a big difference.
Spread the Word: Share information about adoptable pets from the LA wildfires on social media. The more people who see these animals, the better chance they have of finding their new homes.
While adopting a pet from a disaster situation like the LA wildfires can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it's important to remember that many of these animals may have experienced trauma. They may need extra time, patience, and care to adjust to their new environment.
