From Chaos to Compassion: How a Los Angeles Vet Is Turning Empty Rooms Into Lifesaving Shelters for Displaced Pets
When the Palisades Fire erupted in Los Angeles, devouring nearly 20,000 acres and displacing thousands of residents, Dr. Annie Harvilicz didn’t just see a disaster—she saw an opportunity to help.
As evacuation orders swept across the county, Harvilicz’s brother fled his home, seeking safety for himself and his two pets, a cat and a bunny. His desperate plea sparked an idea that would soon grow into a lifesaving mission.
Harvilicz quickly put out a call on Facebook, offering shelter for pets displaced by the fire. The response was overwhelming. By Thursday, the old clinic was home to 14 dogs, 12 cats, and a rabbit—with potential plans to welcome a tortoise and eight hens. Her team also provided temporary refuge for many pets that only needed overnight stays before reuniting with their families.
While juggling her veterinary practice at Animal Wellness Centers in Marina del Rey and Laguna Vista Veterinary Center in Harbor City, Harvilicz now spends most of her day sifting through emails and coordinating drop-offs, either at her old clinic or with volunteers who’ve stepped up to help.
Her efforts come at a time of staggering need. More than 170,000 residents in Los Angeles County have faced evacuation orders as five fires rage across the region. Gusty winds reaching 60 mph have heightened the risk for even more destruction.
Despite the chaos, Harvilicz says she’s been heartened by the outpouring of community support. “I thought we would be absolutely inundated, but instead, we’ve been connecting people,” she says. “For every one request for help, I’ve gotten 50 emails from people offering to volunteer, bring supplies, or house animals.”
She’s not alone in this mission. David Dimeno, president of Coachella Valley Horse Rescue, has stepped in to house displaced horses, adding to the growing network of Angelenos stepping up to protect the region’s most vulnerable residents—its animals.
For Harvilicz, the work has been exhausting but rewarding. “The world feels apocalyptic at times,” she admits. “But seeing how people have come together to support each other reminds me that, even in the darkest moments, compassion still shines through.”
As the fires continue to burn, Harvilicz and her team remain a lifeline for displaced pets and their families, proving that even in the face of devastation, hope can find a home.
Original story appeared on Time.com
