With more than 250,000 people evacuated due to the California wildfires–which means that tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of animals, may be displaced. Some of them may never be reunited with their owners. There are several ways you can help them.
DONATE: The Humane Society of Ventura County and the L.A. County Animal Care Foundation are providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care for animals and opening reunification centers for humans and animals who’ve been separated and can’t find each other. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference, so please consider giving as little as $5 if you can spare it:
The website for the Humane Society of Ventura County has the following information posted
“We are currently in need of donations to our general fund in order to best serve evacuated animals from the Hill and Woolsey Fires being housed at the shelter. Thank you for your support!”
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private nonprofit founded in 1932. They are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States or any national animal welfare organizations, nor do they receive any funding from the city, county or state. They are a private nonprofit that serves the people and animals of Ventura County. ONE HUNDRED percent of your donations stay right there to benefit directly the animals in the community.
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation posted yesterday on their Facebook page.
“DACC has evacuated all animals from its Agoura ACC to protect them. All are safe. DACC is responding throughout the fire zone to rescue and shelter animals. Many thanks to all staff and volunteers, including DACC’s elite Equine Response Team (ERT) volunteers, as well as its mutual aid partners, LA Animal Services, Pasadena Humane Society, and spcaLA P.D.Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center. Please support DACC’s efforts and donate to our emergency rescue fund – Noah’s Legacy – on our website.”
ADOPT: If you’re able to adopt a kitty or dog that one of these shelters already was caring for before the fire, you’ll be clearing desperately needed space and freeing up resources for the thousands of newcomers pouring into these shelters. Adopting an animal is a major life decision that shouldn’t be made lightly–but there’s never a bad time to save a life.
From what I’m seeing on Facebook there are many, many animal rescues, as well as individuals, who are trying to save as many animals as possible. Please feel free to use the comment section if you have space for an animal outside the path of California fires or if you need help in any way.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are risking their lives to help as well as to the families who have lost everything (including family members who couldn’t escape in time).
I’ve been keeping up with the reports as best I can. There are many residents who are refusing to leave their home, despite an active fire on their property. I fear the death toll will continue to rise and it could be some time before we know actual numbers on the devastation.
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