California Wildfire Relief for Pets & Wildlife: A Resource Guide
Watching wildfires devastate Southern California, many of us are at home wondering how we can help. I feel fortunate to be outside the immediate danger, living about 25 miles from the nearest blaze. Like so many others, I’ve been looking for ways to support my community during this crisis, and I’ve compiled a list of options to share.
This post will be updated regularly, so please check back for new information. Additionally, Mutual Aid Los Angeles has created a spreadsheet with resources for those impacted by the fires, which you can access here.
Below, you’ll find resources for families with pets and wildlife. If you’re able, please consider donating or volunteering to support these recovery efforts.
Last updated Saturday, January 11 @ 4:30 pm.
Where to Donate
Pasadena Humane has taken in over 400 animals. Their biggest need right now is monetary donations, so they can buy exactly what they need for their patients. They received many supply donations within the first few days, and are not accepting supply drop-offs at this time. Updated 1/11.
The Labelle Foundation is providing boarding, foster care, and supplies for displaced pets–they are in need of monetary donations and supplies from their wish list. Due to their partnership with a supply warehouse, they’ve said that dollar donations can be stretched further than donating supplies directly, since they can make purchases at a deep discount. Updated 1/11.
Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue needs donations. “We have literally lost everything. Supplies, medications, set-ups, all of their wooden houses and castles, beds, toys, set-ups for events, tables, pens, supplies for making toys for fundraising. Everything you can think of. We need to replace so much, and also to continue to keep up with the medical bills as well.
Please donate. Please dig deep. Help us continue to help the Sanctuary Bunnies. Help us rebuild.” ZELLE zoohgirl@gmail.com PAYPAL zoohcorner@mybunny.org. Updated 1/10.
Angel City Pit Bulls is in need of hard-sided transport crates as they prepare to move dogs to their rescue partners, to create more space locally. If you have this specific type of crate (pictured below, 40”, for pets 70-90 lbs.) you can drop off at their Jefferson Park center at 3612 11th Avenue, Los Angeles 90018. You can also send supply donations from their Chewy wishlist. I am fundraising for Team ACPB in the 2025 LA Big 5k, and monetary donations to my page will be available to the rescue immediately. Updated 1/11.
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the most challenging aspects of compiling this post has been identifying volunteer needs. While I’ve seen a few calls for volunteers, they tend to fill up quickly–which is wonderful to see. I know that many more opportunities will arise in the coming days and weeks as systems are established, and current volunteers need relief. I will work on gathering more information about volunteer needs as they arise, so please check back for updates.
Pierce College in Woodland Hills has taken in 200 evacuated horses and are in need of volunteers with equine experience. Please contact the school directly at (818) 710-3308 if you can help. Updated 1/10.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank is at capacity. They need experienced equine & large animal volunteers to clean stalls, feed, assist in veterinary care, etc. They are asking interested volunteers to call LACAS, but it seems people are having trouble getting through. 📞 South County Communication Center: (562) 940-6898 📞 North County Communication Center: (661) 940-4191. Follow @thelaec on Instagram for daily updates. Updated 1/10.
Animal Wellness Center in Marina Del Rey is in need of experienced handlers to provide walks, food, and comfort for nervous, large dogs in boarding. Call the clinic at 310-450-7387 if this is your area of expertise! Details in post. Updated 1/10.
Canine Rescue Club is working on a transport project with Paws for Life K9. Full details have not been released yet, but they put out a call for 37 transporters this afternoon and the need was filled immediately. They will be sharing more opportunities soon to help with transport within the Los Angeles area – follow their Instagram to stay in the loop. This is part of a plan to move dogs to safe havens in other states, to make more space for those who have been displaced. Updated 1/10.
Angel City Pit Bulls is taking volunteer applications to help at their facility in Jefferson Park, as well as transportation and other needs. Updated 1/11.
Foster an Animal
LA Animal Services has put out an urgent plea for fosters & adopters. Adoption fees will be waived through Sunday 1/12. Apply to foster here.
Canine Rescue Club has been announcing foster drives on Instagram and they seem to fill up pretty quickly. They are focusing on getting dogs in foster homes, and transporting adoptable dogs out of state. Follow them for the next announcement to help. Updated 1/11.
Pasadena Humane does not have an immediate need for fosters, as many of their animals are medical cases, or boarding with plans to reunite with their families. They do anticipate a need for long-term fosters in the coming days – interested fosters can email foster@pasadenahumane.org, but they may not respond immediately. Updated 1/11.
Angel City Pit Bulls is taking foster applications. They also regularly host open houses where fosters may be able to meet and take home a dog the same day – follow their Instagram for updates on upcoming events. Updated 1/11.
Wildlife
As local wildlife is displaced by the fires, you may encounter animals in your neighborhood who don’t normally live there. Be extra vigilant about keeping pets safe. Consider leaving a water bucket out for wildlife if you feel comfortable doing so.
Pasadena Humane is treating injured and orphaned wildlife. To report an animal in need, text their wildlife helpline at 626.344.1129. For non-emergencies, e-mail them at wildlife@pasadenahumane.org.
California Wildlife Center in Malibu has been evacuated due to the Palisades fire. Their facility is closed until further notice, but their hotline may still be available at 1-310-458-WILD (9453).
California Department of Fish & Wildlife also has a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators by species and location.
Veterinary Services
Sevilla Veterinary Hospital in Santa Monica is offering free exams, diagnostics, food and medications to pets affected by the fire. See their Instagram for more details & updates on this amazingly generous offer.
The California Veterinary Medical Foundation has grants available to reimburse veterinarians for expenses directly related to disaster response.
Pet Food & Supply Pantries
Best Friends has opened two supply pantries (food, litter, collars, leashes, etc.) located at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center (1845 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles 90025) and Best Friends Clinic (17411 Chatsworth Street #100, Granada Hills, CA 91344). Hours are 8am-6pm, no appointment needed.
Pasadena City College is hosting a distribution site for pet and human supplies January 10 & 11 from 9am-8pm. See this post for details. Updated 1/10.
BarkBox is sending kibble to affected families in need of dog food, and taking requests for shelters and rescues who need food donations.
Pet Boarding and Transportation
Please refer to the Mutual Aid Los Angeles spreadsheet for large and small animal boarding/transportation.
Compton Cowboys have offered their trailer for transporting horses. Message @randysavvy on Instagram for assistance.