Out-of-state groups step up to alleviate overwhelmed Los Angeles pet shelters

[KENNEDY FELTON]

The damage from the Southern California wildfires extends far beyond homes and communities. Pets, often the overlooked victims, are now lost, injured, or in need of care. Shelters across the region are struggling to keep up with the influx of animals, but help is coming from near and far.

The wildfires have displaced hundreds of pets, overwhelming local shelters. Best Friends Animal Society of Los Angeles rescued 155 dogs and cats in a single day, with 70 of them being fostered that day.

“We are also setting up pantries for our community for anyone who’s being impacted to come take whatever they need for their animals and themselves to be able to get through this crisis together.”

The Pasadena Humane Society has taken in more than 400 animals, many suffering burn injuries.

One of the youngest survivors is a 5-day-old puppy found under a collapsed building.

As of Sunday, the Pasadena shelter said while they’re grateful for the outpouring of support, they’ve received so many donations and supplies that they can no longer accept additional items.

Out-of-state shelters are also lending a hand. As reported by KOMO News, a Seattle rescue flight transported dozens of cats and dogs to their city to help ease the burden on L.A. shelters. Similarly, shelters in Texas, Oregon, and Washington followed suit. According to an NBC affiliate in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they’ll be receiving 150 additional dogs and cats Sunday.

“5 or 6 vans all have to be packed tightly into this pretty big plane here.”

Elias Weiss Friedman, known as the Dogist on social media, teamed up with several shelters to help transport dogs to a Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

It isn’t just cats and dogs – some shelters have rescued horses, donkeys, and even sheep. With so many animals in need, shelters are working quickly to identify and reunite pets with their owners or find them new homes.