Already have an account?
Get back to the
Family

Here’s How You Can Help Animals Affected by California Wildfires

Tags:

The devastation from recent California wildfires is heartbreaking to watch as it continues to rip its way through the state. Of course, it’s even more upsetting for anyone currently living through it. News outlets are reporting that the Camp Fire outbreak in Northern California has already become the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history with over 110,000 acres of land burned since November 8, 2018. The Woolsey and Hill fires blazing near Los Angeles aren’t far behind with more than 85,000 acres of land burned between them as well. 

Countless homes have been engulfed by the flames and families have evacuated the areas, leaving all of their treasured belongings behind to find safety. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for animals to get mixed up in the chaos of these frightening situations. Family pets like dogs and cats, and beloved animals like horses, need to be kept in mind when thinking of ways to help. According to a report from NBC News, officials estimate that at least 10,000 pets have been displaced by the fires. Take a look below to see how you can help animals and their owners affected by the California wildfires. 

How to Help Animals Affected by California Wildfires

  • The Humane Society of Ventura County: The shelter is accepting animals who got lost while evacuating the Hill and Woolsey fires. You can donate to their facility and purchase items they need from their Amazon Wish List
  • The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: You can donate to the organization, which is also providing shelter for displaced animals in the Los Angeles area. If you are able, you can apply to adopt or foster an animal from the shelter in order to free up more space. Their Agoura Animal Care Center was evacuated, but there are six others open and accepting adoption applications.
  • North Valley Animal Disaster Group: The organization is focused on sheltering and reuniting displaced animals with their owners once affected areas are deemed safe. You can volunteer your services by contacting Caring Choices at 530-899-3873 for training, or you can make a donation on their official website.

More Ways to Help Those Affected by Wildfires

  • The Red Cross: Always known as one of the first relief agencies on the ground in times of emergency, you can donate at RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or simply texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. 
  • The United Way: Both the Greater Los Angeles and Ventura branches have combined to help those affected by the wildfires. You can donate to their Disaster Relief Fun on their official website
  • Entertainment Industry Foundation: This charity is supported by several Hollywood celebs and is specifically donating their funds to firefighters and first responders on the scene. You can donate on their official website.
  • Baby2Baby: Families with young children can benefit from this charity that provides diapers, wipes, blankets, and anything else their baby or young child might need. You can help by purchasing items from their registry at Target.

Our thoughts are with everyone, humans and animals alike, who are evacuating the areas — and with the brave firefighters working tirelessly to finally put an end to the tragic ordeal. 

More From FIRST

The Best Non-Perishable Foods for the Worst-Case Scenarios

11 Best Relaxing Gifts for Caregivers That Show You Care Right Back

Worried a Power Outage Will Spoil Your Food? This Coin Trick Can Put Your Mind at Ease

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.