One Week Update: California Animal Shelters Come Together to Help People, Pets Impacted by LA Fires
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SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2025 ~ As the devastating Los Angeles fires continue to rage on, California's network of nearly 300 animal shelters and organizations have joined forces to provide support for families and animals affected by the disaster. Despite being almost a week since the first fires broke out, the situation remains critical with thousands of animals in need of housing, care, and medical attention. The Pasadena Humane Society alone has taken in 500 animals and is still counting.

Leading the efforts in the Los Angeles area are three major agencies - Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, and Los Angeles Animal Services. These agencies are working tirelessly to meet the needs of incoming animals by transferring adoptable pets to free up resources for fire victims. It is important for lost and found pets to stay local in order to have a better chance of reuniting with their families.

In order to accommodate the influx of animals, members of the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) are working together to transfer adoptable pets to other regions. Dozens of shelters and out-of-state organizations have already accepted hundreds of pets. The Pasadena Humane Society has successfully relocated all adoptable pets and similar efforts are ongoing with other shelters in LA.

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Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals expressed her gratitude towards member organizations for their swift action in supporting their colleagues in the Los Angeles area during this crisis. She also acknowledged The Humane Society of the United States for their generous grant that continues to support disaster preparedness and response efforts in California.

For those looking to help, monetary donations can be made directly to Los Angeles area shelters such as Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, and Los Angeles Animal Services. It is advised to avoid dropping off unsolicited items or visiting shelters without contacting them first. Shelters' websites or social media pages should be checked for supply needs and drop-off locations.

Another way to assist is by adopting or fostering pets outside of LA, which will help shelters accommodate the 1,400+ pets awaiting relocation and free up space for displaced pets. Those interested can find their local shelter at CalAnimals.

For those impacted by the fires, it is important to stay updated through official communication channels from local agencies such as Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, and Los Angeles Animal Services. These agencies also post evacuation centers and resources for people and pets.

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In case of a lost or found pet, resources such as "I Lost My Pet" from Pasadena Humane Society, "If You Lost Your Pet" from Animal Care and Control, and "Lost Pets" from LA Animal Services can be used. It is also recommended to learn how to prepare for emergencies by visiting Ready.gov/pets.

Ryan Soulsby, CalAnimals' Disaster Program Manager who is leading the emergency efforts for the agency, remains hopeful despite the devastation and heartbreak caused by the fires. He believes that just like a Phoenix rises from the ashes, Los Angeles will also rise again.

The California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) was formed in 2018 through a merger between two statewide animal-welfare associations - California Animal Control Directors Association (CACDA) and State Humane Association of California (SHAC). The organization aims to support animal welfare organizations and shelters in meeting the needs of animals and people in their communities through various programs including trainings, conferences, certifications, disaster response, leadership development, legislative advocacy, and more. To learn more about CalAnimals' work visit www.calanimals.org.

Media Contact:

Jill Tucker

CEO

(805) 214-6200
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