When wildfires brought destruction to Los Angeles and nearby counties, American Humane Society’s rescue team mobilized to ensure bring care and compassion to animals caught in the crisis. Thanks to the generous support of PetSmart Charities, we were able to reach hundreds of animals in need of rescue, sheltering, and protection.
With a 90+ year history in Los Angeles through our “No Animals Were Harmed”™ program, American Humane Society was uniquely positioned to spring to action. In addition to our Rescue Team, we immediately redirected our LA office staff to humanitarian relief efforts; it was an all-hands-on-deck mission to provide immediate support and relief to the community.
Providing Critical Care and Relief in Times of Crisis
Our team supported three large-scale transport missions that airlifted more than 340 long-term shelter animals to states away from the impacted areas in California. With countless displaced animals separated from their families, moving these animals to other shelters made room for animals displaced by the disaster, increasing the likelihood of reunification for those pets with their families.
Recognizing the urgent need for veterinary care in fire-affected areas, our team also hosted a free wellness clinic. Volunteer veterinarians provided health assessments and vaccinations, while our team distributed vital pet resources to families who lost everything in the fires.
Additionally, we collaborated with local hotels where families had evacuated to accommodate evacuees and their beloved companions. As the fires forced families and their beloved pets out of their homes, we visited nearly a dozen hotels, delivering pet food and essential supplies for displaced animals and their families.
Our commitment to these animals didn’t end there. Our Rescue Team diligently searched the areas devastated by the fires, looking for lost pets, and leaving food and water for those too frightened to emerge from the wreckage. We provided frequent welfare checks for pet owners desperate for news about their furry family members that were forced to “shelter in place” during mandatory evacuations, our team made sure these animals were safe, comfortable and cared for until their families could be reunited with them. This vital work was made possible by the generous support of PetSmart Charities and the incredible organizations we collaborated with on the ground.
Continuing the Mission
The work is far from over. American Humane Society remains steadfast in our commitment to providing support to the community and innocent animals impacted by this tragedy. To support local livestock owners, we issued a grant to a feed store supplying food free of charge to affected barns and farms. Our LA office transformed into a donation intake and distribution center, offering pet supplies to families who have lost everything.
American Humane Society knows that animals depend on us just as much as we depend on them. In times of disaster, our unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being shines through. Thanks to PetSmart Charities, whose generosity made this mission possible, we have been able to provide critical resources, veterinary care, and emergency relief when it was needed most.
For those who wish to contribute to our ongoing animal welfare efforts, we invite you to support our lifechanging work. Your support empowers us to help more animals in need.
Visit americanhumane.org/program/animal-rescue to learn more about our mission and how you can help. Together, we can help ensure that in the wake of devastation, hope and compassion prevail.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
