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How to Help Pets Displaced in the California Wildfires
There is plenty you can do to lend a hand. Here is a comprehensive list of the animal organizations on the frontlines, and where they can use help.
by Nisha Gopalan, | January 16, 2025
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Canelo / Courtesy Pasadena Humane Society
The catastrophic wildfires in Southern California have displaced, according to reports, tens of thousands of people who’ve lost their homes. (This comes after estimates of up to 200,000 folks being temporarily uprooted due to evacuation orders.) And when humans are displaced, so are their pets. Today, the already overcrowded animal shelters in the Los Angeles area are well past capacity.Keep scrolling for a list of how you can help, including vetted links where you can safely donate.
In this article:
During the wildfires, many animals were handed over to already overcrowded shelters as safe houses, with pet parents intending to reunite with them after the danger subsides. Some animals were abandoned — a number of them injured in the fires due to, the Pasadena Humane writes, “smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration, and more.” Others were simply lost, then found amid the rubble, with rescuers hoping to find their pet parents. Saving these pets has become a Herculean task requiring a massive amount of human and monetary resources.
This is an emergency, and shelters and rescues urgently need help. Whether it’s adopting, fostering, or donating money and supplies (to treat, feed, and house pets), your support has never been more crucial. Adopt a Pet reached out to these organizations to list their most pressing needs.
Help by adopting a pet
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of becoming a pet parent — or expanding your pet family — now is the time. Some of these packed shelters are even offering no-fee adoptions for pets who are craving the warmth, affection, and security that come with a permanent home.
Boyle Heights Cats [search pets]
The Cat Posse [search pets]
DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [search pets]*
LAAS Los Angeles Animal Services [search pets]*
Paws for Life K9 Rescue [search pets]
The Rescue Train [search pets]
Southern California Bulldog Rescue [search pets]
*no-fee adoptions
Help by fostering an animal
If you’re unable to adopt, fostering is absolutely the next best thing you can do to help these homeless animals return to a sense of normalcy and safety. Each faces an uncertain future and needs a safe, loving space.
Boyle Heights Cats [apply here]
Canine Rescue Club [apply here]
The Cat Posse [apply here]
DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [apply here]
LAAS Los Angles Animal Services [apply here]
Paws for Life K9 Rescue [apply here]
The Rescue Train [apply here]
Sandy and the Crew Animal Rescue [apple here]
Shelter Hope Pet Shop [apply here]
Southern California Bulldog Rescue [apply here]
Help by donating money
Many of these organizations are nonprofits that are running dry on essential funds that help nourish and house displaced pets — in addition to the medical fees associated with treating animals wounded in the fires.
Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue [donate]
Animal Care Zone [donate]
Bayberry Feline Rescue & TNR Project [donate]
Boyle Heights Cats [donate]
Canine Rescue Club [donate]
The Cat’s Meow [donate]
The Cat Posse [donate on website or donate on GoFundMe]
DACC Los Angeles County Animal Control [donate]
Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary [donate]
LAAS Los Angles Animal Services [donate]
Pasadena Humane [donate]
Paws for Life K9 Rescue [donate]
The Rescue Train [donate]
Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue [donate]
Southern California Bulldog Rescue [donate]
Help by donating supplies
Some rescues have very specific areas of need. If you prefer your donation to go to a specific item or purchase, here are some worthy places to start.
Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue
Address: Ace of Hearts PO Box 2357 Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Need: dog beds (all sizes), leashes, martingale collars (all sizes), flea medication, antibiotics like Clavamox, and other common vet medications.
Bayberry Feline Rescue & TNR Project
Address: Bayberry Feline Rescue 4053 Bayberry Dr. Chino Hills, CA 91709
Need: canned and dry cat food
Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary
Need: cat food and supplies
Keep Rescuing
Email for donations
Need: food, cleaning supplies
Saint Felix Cat Rescue & Animals with Disabilities
Email for donations
Need: cat bowls and beds
Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue
Address: Smooch Pooch Dog Rescue 1621 W 25th St #628 San Pedro, CA 90732
Need: dog food, treats, beds, leashes, collars
Viva la Vida Rescue
Need: cat food, litter, and more
Note: All of the above links have been vetted by Adopt a Pet's editorial staff for authenticity. Always donate via official sites — and not to individuals — to avoid scams.
Where pet parents can go with their pets
If you (or someone you know) has been affected by these wildfires and are in need of safe shelter, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is letting pet parents know that they can bring their pets to Westwood Recreation in LA or the Ritchie Valens Rec Center in Pacoima. For the latest evacuation updates, check out this link.
Per NBC4 Los Angeles, the following emergency shelters accept people and small animals:
Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles
Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima
Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City
Nisha Gopalan
Nisha Gopalan has been a writer/editor for The New York Times, New York magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and NYLON magazines. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
