California Wildfires: Shelters and Volunteers Rally to Aid Displaced Animals

California Wildfires: Shelters and Volunteers Rally to Aid Displaced Animals
(Based on a report originally published by Reuters)

Covered in ash and struggling to breathe, Canela, a pit bull mix, was found amidst fire-ravaged rubble in Altadena. His paw pads were burned from walking on hot debris, and his lungs were choked with smoke. A kind stranger wrapped him in a blanket and rushed him to Pasadena Humane.

By Saturday, too weak to stand, Canela was reunited with his owner, thanks to media coverage of his rescue. He is one of more than 400 animals brought to the Pasadena shelter since the wildfires erupted across Southern California last Tuesday.

Caring for the Forgotten Victims

As the fires wreak havoc, leaving devastation in their wake, animal welfare organizations have become lifelines for displaced pets and injured wildlife. Pasadena Humane initially opened as a temporary refuge for pets of evacuated families but has since shifted to long-term care as the disaster unfolds.

"We’re now seeing more injured animals coming in," said Dia DuVernet, president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. "Some families have no homes to return to, so our shelter is becoming a more permanent refuge for their animals."

One of their patients, a severely burned Husky, arrived exhausted and in pain. "He hadn’t even lifted his head when he first came in," said Dr. Maria Pyrdek, the shelter’s chief veterinarian. The dog is now slowly recovering.

The shelter has also responded to urgent rescue calls from burn zones, including one from a man in Altadena whose livestock—cows, sheep, and a bull—were stranded without water after a fire destroyed a nearby bridge. "We’re strategizing how to get water across the ravine to save these animals," DuVernet said.

Generous donations from the community have been overwhelming, with enough supplies to fill five U-Haul trucks.

Sanctuary for Horses and Livestock

In Burbank, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center has become a haven for around 400 animals, mainly horses, with a few donkeys in their care. Some animals were brought in by owners fleeing the flames, while others were rescued by law enforcement after being found wandering.

“This area has deep roots in horse culture,” said Leigh Anne Claywell, general manager of the equestrian center. “It’s a community where people have horses in their backyards, and traditions run deep.”

While some animals appeared stressed upon arrival, most have adjusted to their temporary environment. Volunteers have played a crucial role in feeding and walking horses, cleaning stalls, and managing donations—from apples and carrots for the animals to meals for the human caregivers.

Evacuee Karrie Saydah recounted her terrifying experience of fleeing her home with two horses and two donkeys. After being turned away from one shelter, she found refuge at the equestrian center. "It was terrifying—a fire in the sky kind of thing," Saydah said.

On Saturday, Saydah was reunited with her animals, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support. "The staff and volunteers have been amazing. My animals might even miss the endless treats!"

A Community United

As evacuation orders are lifted in some areas, many animals are beginning to return home. However, for others, the journey to recovery will take time.

“There’s so much goodwill being shared,” Saydah said. “It’s heartening to see a community come together to help during such a challenging time.”

(This article is based on original reporting by Reuters.)