Column: Wildfire emergency help for lost, injured pets is in place, and you can help

This 4-month-old kitten (A519470) was rescued from a burn area in Altadena by the Pasadena Fire Department. Her fur was singed and covered in ash, and her tiny body was severely burned. When she was found, the burns on her face were so severe that she couldn't open her eyes or smell. Our Animal Control Officer transported her from the fire department to our ICU, where she continues to receive treatment for her wounds and medications to ease her pain. (Photo is courtesy of Pasadena Humane)
This 4-month-old kitten (A519470) was rescued from a burn area in Altadena by the Pasadena Fire Department. Her fur was singed and covered in ash, and her tiny body was severely burned. When she was found, the burns on her face were so severe that she couldn’t open her eyes or smell. Our Animal Control Officer transported her from the fire department to our ICU, where she continues to receive treatment for her wounds and medications to ease her pain. (Photo is courtesy of Pasadena Humane)

 

I want to thank everyone in our community for the huge outpouring of support we’ve received in response to the Eaton Fire. We continue to welcome in all animals from the Eaton fire that need our assistance.

In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control under the County’s request for mutual aid, we’ve been sending strike teams into the evacuation areas to help rescue and care for animals left behind.

We’ve been joined with emergency response teams from across the state and country including: ASPCA, American Humane, San Diego Humane Society, North Valley Animal Disaster Group and Kern County Animal Services.

Emergency responders are bringing animals in need of medical attention to the Intensive Care Unit at Pasadena Humane for triage and treatment by either Pasadena Humane veterinarians or other veterinary and wildlife partners.

We have seen a significant number of burned and injured animals. These animals are suffering from smoke inhalation, singed paws, burns, dehydration, and more. We have been treating each animal based on their needs, providing fluids, oxygen, pain medications and wound care.

This sweet stray dog (A519188) was found in Altadena with singed fur and burns on all his paw pads. The burns made it incredibly painful for him to put any weight on his feet. His eyes were irritated, and he was severely dehydrated. Our veterinary team is currently treating him with medications and fluids, and his condition is stable. Unfortunately, no owner has come forward to claim him yet. (Photo is courtesy of Pasadena Humane)
This sweet stray dog (A519188) was found in Altadena with singed fur and burns on all his paw pads. The burns made it incredibly painful for him to put any weight on his feet. His eyes were irritated, and he was severely dehydrated. Our veterinary team is currently treating him with medications and fluids, and his condition is stable. Unfortunately, no owner has come forward to claim him yet. (Photo is courtesy of Pasadena Humane)

For animals that are healthy but too fearful to be removed from the affected area and animals that may be hiding, our team is leaving food and water. For animals safely sheltering in their homes, our team is providing food, water, and other support at the request of homeowners who have not been permitted to enter the area themselves.

The staff and volunteers at Pasadena Humane have shown extraordinary strength and compassion, doing everything possible to care for the nearly 775 animals we’ve taken into our shelter since the start of the Eaton fire.

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To date, we’ve reunited more than 240 pets with their families at our shelter. This includes surrendered pets whose families have been forced to evacuate and stray animals who need our help more than ever.

In collaboration with our rescue partners, nearly 380 lost and left behind pets have been reunited with their families in the community without having to come into the shelter.

The support we’ve received from our local community and far beyond has been nothing short of miraculous. Your generosity, whether through donations, supplies, or volunteer efforts, has been a lifeline to us and to the animals in our care. It has been a reminder of how deeply we are all connected through the human-animal bond, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of kindness that has touched our hearts in ways words can’t fully express.

My heart goes out to all of those affected by the fires. This is a human and animal tragedy on an unimaginable scale. We are only beginning to learn of the full impact, and I’m so thankful that we haven’t had to go through it alone.

We know that many families are now without homes to return to, leaving many pets displaced as a result. At this time, we are offering emergency boarding for these pets and will continue to do so as needed. We remain committed to providing comfort, medical care, shelter, and support for as long as needed while families begin to rebuild their lives.

If you see or know of any animals in need, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Emergency hotline: 626-577-3752. Our team is working around the clock to ensure that every animal gets the help they need.

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For safety reasons, we encourage everyone who is not authorized to be in the restricted areas to stay out. Your concern for the animals is deeply appreciated, but please allow our trained professionals to continue their work to rescue and care for the animals who need it most.

While the path ahead will be long and difficult, we are filled with hope by the unwavering support of this community. Together, we will rebuild and recover. We will continue to care for every animal that needs us, and we are so deeply grateful to each and every one of you who has supported our efforts.

As the Eaton fire emergency continues, we are ready to take in many more animals who are in need of emergency medical care. If you are able to donate, please visit give.pasadenahumane.org/fire

Thank you for standing with us, and for these animals in their time of greatest need.

Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org

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