The recent devastating fires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of residents and causing immense hardship for families and their beloved pets. When evacuation orders came, many of these animals were left behind when families had to evacuate quickly. While some animals were simply lost in the chaos, emergency evacuee shelters, hotels, and even friends’ homes were not always pet-friendly. As a result, hundreds of pets remain displaced, leaving their owners heartbroken. In the aftermath, local rescue organisations, such as Pasadena Humane have stepped up to reunite animals with their owners and provide care for those still awaiting a home.
As the evacuation orders have been lifted, some families have been able to return and reunite with their pets. However, many are facing the harsh reality that their homes have been destroyed, making it even more difficult to care for their animals.
Despite the best efforts by rescue teams, many animals remain in shelters, waiting to be reunited with their owners. While many have been identified, Pasadena Humane is still working to locate and make contact. Microchips have proven to be an invaluable tool in this process, allowing direct reunions without pets needing to go through the shelter system first – a reminder for reluctant owners to get their pets chipped.
If owners cannot be located, Pasadena Humane follows a structured process to ensure the best outcome for the animals. Under normal circumstances, pet owners have five days to reclaim their animals before they are put up for adoption. However, due to the extraordinary nature of this disaster, this holding period has been extended to 30 days to give owners a better chance to reclaim their pets.
While some pets are being reunited, others face an uncertain future. Many pet owners have nowhere to return to, complicating the process. In response, rescue organisations are appealing for foster homes. Fostering, even for a short time, provides animals with stability and relieves overcrowded shelters, allowing rescuers to focus on reunions.
The fires have impacted more than just cats, dogs and wildlife – goats, birds, reptiles, and even horses have been displaced. The Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF), a grant-giving charity that has been supporting hundreds of non-profit animal welfare organisations and programs for over 45 years, continues to identify organisations that need their help as they aid in the devastating fire aftermath. In addition to Pasadena Humane Society taking in more than 1,000 animals since the fires began, among the grantees making a difference are Coachella Valley Horse Rescue in Indio, CA, which is providing refuge for displaced horses, and Operation Blankets of Love, which has been providing medical supplies, food and crates for displaced pets and injured wildlife, as well as assisting in search and rescue operations.
The road to recovery after the fires will be long, but the efforts of Pasadena Humane, Coachella Valley Horse Rescue and Operation Blankets of Love, DDAF, and other rescue organisations are making a real difference. As pets and their owners navigate this difficult time, with the support of the community, these animals have a chance to heal and find safety – whether with their owners or a new loving home. Every act of kindness, big or small, brings them closer to where they belong.
How You Can Help
The work of rescue organisations is far from over. If you’d like to support their efforts, here are some ways you can help:
- Make a Donation – Cash donations help provide food, medical care, and temporary housing for displaced animals.
- Foster an Animal – Even short-term fosters can create much-needed space in shelters.
- Volunteer – Many shelters are relying on volunteers to care for and socialise animals.
- Spread Awareness – Sharing updates from rescue organisations on social media can help reconnect lost pets with their families.
Links: