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You Can Help Animals In The Path Of California's Wildfires — Here's How
The widespread devastation from three wildfires across California has already claimed hundreds of thousands of acres of land, thousands of homes, and a record number of lives — and the flames are still not entirely contained, as of Wednesday. The impact of the wildfires can be hard to comprehend, especially if you don't live in the affected area. But it's not just people and homes that are dealing with the catastrophic effect of such massive natural disasters: it's animals, too. The good news is that there are plenty of animal shelters to donate to as the California wildfires continue, if you're feeling like helping out some furry friends.
Allison Cardona, the deputy director of Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control, told NBC News on Monday that there were an estimated 10,000 pets or more that have been displaced or lost as a result of the Woolsey and Hill Fires. She also confirmed that her organization is currently caring for 550 horses, as well as several hundred other animals such as cows that have been displaced by the fires.
Sometimes it can feel especially heartbreaking to imagine animals becoming lost, injured, or otherwise disabled in the face of such devastation. Here are some amazing organizations that can help you contribute to the welfare of the animals affected by the California wildfires:
The Humane Society of Ventura County
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Humane Society of Ventura County wrote that it was open to accept animals for those who had to evacuate and were in need of sanctuary for their pets.
If you donate to the HSVC, 100 percent of your proceeds will go toward serving the animals in their care.
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation has a disaster relief program that provides supplies, training, and equipment to support situations such as these wildfires. For example, the foundation has four "Animal Safe" trailers that provide temporary shelters to animals who have been evacuated due to natural disasters.
The North Valley Animal Disaster Group
Per CNN, the North Valley Animal Disaster Group is an organization that works with local law enforcement to take in rescued animals. The organization reported that it has received more than 5,000 calls and requests for help since the Camp Fire began. You can donate to the nonprofit here.
Butte County Humane Society
The Butte County Human Society in Chico has set up a food supply and pantry for those who have lost everything in the fires. It's open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. You can donate to the pantry here.
The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
On Instagram, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wrote, "With fires looming in nearby cities, we mobilized staff and volunteers to help in any way we could. So far, we have taken in animals from Baldwin Park Animal Shelter so they could make space for evacuated animals from Agoura Hills Animal Shelter."
Donating to this organization will help it to continue taking care of these displaced pets in the form of medical care, food, blankets, and more.
Foster A Pet From MaeDay Dog Rescue
MaeDay Dog Rescue is based in Los Angeles and is currently caring for a surplus of animals displaced by the wildfires. Its website explains how you can donate to help the animals, buy supplies for them, and even foster them until they're reunited with their owners.
Whether it's donating to a shelter or taking your very own floof home with you, there are so many ways to contribute to the welfare of animals who have been displaced by the wildfires. And there's no better immediate gratification than knowing you improved the quality of life of an animal.
