In the United States, firefighters rescue not only people but also animals.😍😮(Video)
Hundreds of animals are receiving care from humane organizations in Southern California as the region grapples with fast-moving wildfires displacing countless residents.
“This won’t be resolved in a day or a week,” said Ana Bustilloz, communications and marketing director at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA). “We’re ready to assist.”
From cats and dogs to horses, birds, and even tortoises, rescue groups have taken in a wide variety of animals. While some pets are temporarily boarding while their owners stay in evacuation centers or hotels that don’t allow animals, others are being treated for injuries sustained during the wildfires.
“We’ve taken in stray animals found near the fires, some with burns, singed whiskers, dehydrated, or with paw injuries,” shared Dia DuVernet, president of Pasadena Humane. She noted their facility has taken in over 400 animals, including some receiving oxygen for smoke inhalation in their veterinary ICU.
Pasadena Humane has accommodated every pet brought to their doors, from dogs and cats to birds and even a pony, which was walked down to the shelter by its desperate owner before being transferred to an equestrian center.
As the wildfires have already claimed lives and displaced over 100,000 people, animal rescue groups fear the number of displaced pets will only rise. “This is the calm before the storm,” said Christi Metropole, president of Stray Cat Alliance.
The spcaLA has taken in about 50 animals for temporary boarding, including a 30-year-old parrot named Ducky, who has charmed staff with phrases like, “I’m a pretty birdie!” Each incoming pet is examined by a veterinarian and given blankets, toys, and treats to provide comfort during this difficult time.
Wildfires pose severe risks to pets, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet owners are urged to keep animals indoors when air quality is poor and to have an evacuation kit with essentials like food, water, and a labeled carrier.
Further from the fire zones, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank has also stepped in, sheltering 200–300 additional horses evacuated from areas threatened by smoke and flames. The facility even welcomed a 200-pound pet pig named Oliver when his owners struggled to find a safe place for him.
The centers have been inundated with donations, from pet food to bales of hay, with some like Pasadena Humane now requesting monetary support due to limited storage space.
Amid the chaos, reunions between pets and their returning owners have provided moments of joy. “Seeing families reunited with their pets feels like a small step in the right direction,” said Bustilloz, reflecting on the week’s challenges and victories.
