Pet community unites to help those impacted by California fires

Donations, emergency relief distribution and lost pet platforms are helping both families and animals as the Los Angeles fires continue to burn.

2 Lisa Selfie December 2020 Headshot
Pets Global has distributed over 11,000 pounds of wet and dry dog and cat food to help those impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
Pets Global has distributed over 11,000 pounds of wet and dry dog and cat food to help those impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
Pets Global

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California, have claimed at least 27 lives, displaced over 100,000 people, destroyed or damaged over 12,000 homes, businesses and structures, and charred more than 60 square miles. Amid the destruction, a massive pet rescue effort has emerged, as animal shelters, rescue organizations, and local pet food companies and retailers work to save pets displaced or endangered by the fires.

Pets Global, maker of Zignature and Fussie Cat pet products, is coordinating a multi-channel relief effort with local animal welfare organizations, retail pet store partners and employees to distribute over 35 tons of its pet food to local communities affected by the fires.

The family-owned company, headquartered in Los Angeles County, has distributed over 11,000 pounds of wet and dry dog and cat food to the Pasadena Humane Society, Lange Foundation, Milo’s Sanctuary and Animal Wellness Centers, and delivered an additional 11,500 pounds to Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies to support the Dream Center and other local fire relief efforts. 

An additional 52,000 pounds of donated pet food, water and other essential supplies is being coordinated with local retailers and organizations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area in an ongoing effort to support as many pets and people as possible during this critical time, noted Daniel Hereford, president and CEO of Pets Global.

“In times of crisis, our communities come together,” said Hereford. "We are honored to support our valued partners in providing relief to those affected by these devastating fires, and hope that these donations will help keep families together and ensure the well-being of their beloved pets."

An additional 52,000 pounds of donated pet food, water and other essential supplies is being coordinated with local retailers and organizations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.An additional 52,000 pounds of donated pet food, water and other essential supplies is being coordinated with local retailers and organizations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.Pets GlobalAnimal shelters come together

California's network of nearly 300 animal shelters and organizations have banded together to support families and animals impacted by the fires. Since the first fire was reported in Pasadena on January 7, thousands of animals have entered shelters needing housing, care and medical attention. 

Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and Los Angeles Animal Services are leading efforts in the Los Angeles area. To meet the needs of incoming animals, these agencies have moved adoptable pets to free resources for fire victims in order to keep lost and found pets local to reunite with families. California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) members are working to transfer adoptable pets to other regions. Dozens of shelters, and out-of-state organizations, have accepted hundreds of pets. 

"We are profoundly grateful to our CalAnimals member organizations for their swift action to support their colleagues in the Los Angeles area," said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. "Ensuring there are adequate resources for people and pets is a heavy lift in the best of circumstances, and during emergencies like this, the important work being done would not be possible without effective collaboration."

CalAnimals offered these tips on how best to help:

Other helpers

Cleo&Hooman is a LA-based pet care brand that sells products for dogs, including wipes, cleansers and shampoos. The company has created a public platform to find and report missing pets. It is also collecting dog food, blankets and other supplies for shelters and evacuation centers around the city. In addition, the company announced that 100% of the proceeds from CleoandHooman.com will go directly to supporting families and pets impacted by the LA fires.

"When our neighbors and their pets are facing tragedy, nothing else matters more than coming together to help," the company said on its Instagram announcement.

Based in Van Nuys, California, Pups Without Borders is an animal rescue serving Los Angeles that specializes in rescuing pregnant dogs, nursing litters and sick or injured puppies. Over the past week, the agency has coordinated with Animal Welfare Data Center (AWDC) to collect donations and coordinate emergency relief distribution throughout LA County. For more information or to donate, click here.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Southern California fires, click here for more resources.

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