How You Can Help Animals Affected by the California Wildfires

The devastating and unbelievable California wildfires have left thousands of animals in desperate need of help. As a veterinarian and a passionate advocate for animal welfare, I am heartbroken over the destruction these fires have caused.

I feel deeply for the people who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their sense of community. However, one thing I keep thinking about is how unimaginable it must be to lose your pets as well. These animals are not just companions—they are family.

What We’re Doing at Veterinary Secrets

At Veterinary Secrets, we are committed to doing everything we can to help. Here’s how we are stepping in to assist those affected by these catastrophic fires:

• Immediate Support for Animals in Need: We are providing resources, information, and supplies to help animals displaced by the wildfires.

• Assisting Local Rescue Groups: We are working with rescue organizations to ensure pets and wildlife get the care they need during this challenging time.

How You Can Help

If you are looking for ways to make a difference, here are some things you can do to help animals affected by the wildfires:

1. Donate Supplies or Funds: Reach out to local shelters or wildlife rescue groups and offer to donate food, medical supplies, or money. Your contribution can make a significant difference.

2. Foster or Adopt Animals: If you are able, consider fostering or adopting animals displaced by the fires. These pets need loving homes now more than ever.

3. Spread the Word: Share information about how others can get involved, donate, or offer assistance.

Together, we can make a difference and help the animals who are suffering due to these horrific wildfires. Let’s show the strength of our community and help them in their time of need.

Supporting Our Community Amid the California Wildfires: How You Can Help Animals in Need

The devastation of the California wildfires has left thousands grappling with the loss of homes, loved ones, and pets. Entire communities have been wiped off the map, and the Los Angeles community is coming together to find ways to cope with unimaginable grief. Life as we know it will never be the same, but we can still make a difference by supporting each other and the animals who have been affected.

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The Extent of the Damage

As of now, around 200,000 people have been forced to evacuate with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Over 10,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed, and at least 20 people have tragically lost their lives. However, the true death toll is not yet known, as much of the greater Los Angeles area, including iconic landmarks, has been left in ruins.

Officials report that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia Fires have consumed more than 47,000 acres of land throughout Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire, which began on Tuesday morning, has already burned through more than 21,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 5,300 structures. As of today, the fire is only 11% contained. Approximately 75% of the affluent Palisades neighborhood, nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is gone.

Remembering Our Furry Friends During This Crisis

While the human toll is heartbreaking, it’s important to remember that animals are just as integral to the Southern California community. Many animals are in dire need of help, just like their human counterparts.

If you’re wondering how you can contribute, here are some options to get started:

How You Can Help Animals Affected by the Fires

Adopt a Pet in Need

One of the most rewarding ways to help is by adopting a pet in need. Many animals have lost their homes due to the fires, and shelters are working hard to find them new families.

• The SPCA LA currently has dozens of adoptable dogs and cats on their website, many of which were displaced by the wildfires. To help free up space for more animals, adoption fees have been reduced to just $50 until January 29th.
• LA Animal Services has waived adoption fees entirely through Sunday night in response to the fires.

Shelter space is limited across Southern California, so be sure to check your local shelter to see if you can bring one of these animals home.

Foster a Pet Temporarily

If you’re unable to commit to adopting an animal long-term, consider fostering. Many shelters, including the SPCA, offer temporary foster programs for animals in need. There are both short- and long-term opportunities to help.

You can learn more about fostering opportunities through your local shelters or directly with organizations like the SPCA.

Donate to Shelters and Rescue Organizations

Shelters and organizations are always in need of supplies and financial support. Before donating, check with your local shelter to see what they are specifically in need of, as many are no longer accepting certain items due to an influx of donations. However, almost all shelters will gladly accept monetary donations.

Items still needed include:

• Dry and wet animal food
• Blankets, carriers, and beds

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Veterinary Secrets Donation Initiative

As part of our efforts to help, Veterinary Secrets is donating a percentage of our weekly sales to support animals affected by the wildfires. Additionally, I will be donating ALL of the revenue earned on YouTube this week to shelters and organizations that are aiding animals displaced by the fires.

We are proudly supporting the following organizations:

• Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends Emergency Response
• Pasadena Humane Society: Pasadena Humane Eaton Canyon Fire Update
• LA County Animal Care Foundation: LA County Animal Care

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Emergency Shelters and Rescues Needing Your Help

If you’re looking for ways to directly help, here’s a list of emergency shelters and rescues seeking assistance. These locations are caring for animals displaced by the fires and are in need of volunteers, supplies, and donations.

Agoura Hills

• Western Veterinary Center (Small animals)
  Address: 4990 Reyes Adobe Rd, Agoura Hills, CA
  Phone: 805-957-7387

Baldwin Park

• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center (Small animals)
  Address: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA
  Phone: 626-962-3577

Burbank

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center (Horses)
  Address: 480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA
  Phone: 818-840-9063

City of Industry

• Industry Hills Expo (Large animals; capacity for 200 horses)
  Address: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA
  Phone: 626-330-0324

Downey

• Downey Animal Care Center (Small animals)
  Address: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA
  Phone: 526-940-6898

Los Angeles

• Belle’s Boarding (Dogs)
  Address: 5751 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
  Phone: 323-424-4145

• Best Friends Animal Society (Small animals)
  Address: 1845 Pontius Ave, Los Angeles, CA
  Phone: 424-208-8840
  Best Friends Emergency Response

Pasadena

• Pasadena Humane (Small animals and wildlife)
  Address: 361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA
  Phone: 626-792-7151
  Pasadena Humane Eaton Canyon Fire Update

 

Thank You for Helping

Even in the face of this tragedy, the Los Angeles community has come together to support those in need—both human and animal alike. Your help is invaluable, whether it’s through adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering. Every small act of kindness makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting our community and our furry friends during this devastating time.

P.S. If you can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big impact. Thank you for your support!