5 Ways to Help Pets and Animals Amidst the LA Wildfires

The devastation caused by California wildfires is far-reaching, and its impact doesn’t stop at homes and businesses. In less than one week, two wildfires have displaced thousands of pets and animals, injuring or leaving them without shelter or food. The situation is particularly critical for pets. With homes destroyed and their families displaced, these animals need our help now more than ever.

Amidst these wildfires, the Pasadena Humane Society is helping animals in need. They are rescuing pets and caring for the domestic and wild animals affected.

However, the destruction level is so high that shelters and animal rescue groups are overwhelmed. They have limited resources to care for these vulnerable animals.

During the Palisades and Eaton Fire Emergencies, the Pasadena Humane Society reported over 400 displaced animals. This includes pets with burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and shock. These animals need immediate and intensive care.

Your support is crucial to helping them continue their life-saving work and rebuild the lives of animals who have lost everything.

How You Can Help:

In times like these, the Pasadena Humane Society needs our community’s support more than ever. Here are a few ways you can make a meaningful difference:

1. Donate Financially

(Monetary donation is the best way to help animal shelters in crisis; Pic: Pexels.com)

As the fires rage, LA shelters are seeing more burned and injured animals. Many people bring these animals to the Pasadena Humane Society for help. The best way to assist is with monetary donations.

“The best way to help the animals and families who are in need is to donate. This will give us the flexibility to cover critical expenses like medical care, facility maintenance, and support for lifesaving programs that ensure every animal has the best chance at a happy ending.” - pasadenahumane.org 

Your donation will help pay for immediate emergency response efforts during a crisis. This includes medical treatments, shelter supplies, food, and transport for rescued animals. No amount is too small, and every dollar goes toward providing critical care for these animals. 

Contribute here to offer your support.

2. Contribute Supplies

(A dog lies next to a large carrier crate, an essential supply for shelters during crisis. Pic: Freepik)

If you’re unable to donate money, consider donating essential supplies. At the time of this post, the Pasadena Humane Society needs pet food for cats and dogs. They also request water bowls, extra-large crates, blankets, towels, and bedding.

The website says there is a donation bin if you can donate any of these items. You can find it in the front parking lot, where you can drop off items.

You can drop off your donations at 361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105. You can also check the website for other donation locations.

3. Volunteer Your Time or Share Updates on Social Media

(A volunteer helps hold a short haired dog get its leg bandaged. Pic: Pexels)

If you have experience with animals or want to help, consider volunteering your time. Reach out to their team to learn how you can assist.

Sharing posts and updates also keeps the community in the loop and could inspire more awareness and action. This is not the first LA wildfire, and it won’t be the last. You can become a hero by learning and sharing what people and pets need today. 

Sign up to volunteer here: volunteer@pasadenahumane.org

Stay up to date: Pasadena Humane Society Facebook and Pasadena Humane Society Instagram.


4. Foster an Animal in Need

(A happy dog smiles after being adopted from the local shelter. Pic: Hattas Studios)

If you can open your home to a displaced pet, fostering is a great way to help the humane society. Fosters provide a safe, temporary home while these animals recover and await permanent placement.

“To help, we ask that anyone who can safely foster a dog or a cat for at least one week to please come to the Pasadena Humane Foster Office or email foster@pasadenahumane.org.

Our greatest need is for large dog fosters. Please note that we do not have an in-home history of most animals in our care and are unsure how they get along with other pets.” - pasadenahumane.org

Please go in person to: Pasadena Humane Foster Office: 361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105

Sign up for foster care and foster care training here: foster@pasadenahumane.org


5. Commission Your Pet’s Portrait and Make Them a Hero

(Hattas Studio artist painting pet portraits to support Pasadena Humane Society in LA. Pic: Hattas Studios)

You can make a difference by buying a custom hand-painted portrait of your furry, feathered or finned friends. 

“I know people want to help, and we do, too,” says Jeanine Hattas Wilson, CEO and Creative Director for Hattas Studios. 

“Here’s how we can help together. As a small team of artists in Los Angeles, we can't put out fires … but we can paint. In January, 100% of the profits from these pet portraits will go to the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. This money will help displaced and injured pets and wildlife that require immediate care and medical attention.”

You’ll receive your pet’s portrait, hand-painted by our team of artists, an animal wildfire support insignia and a donation certificate honoring your contribution. 100% of the profits will go directly to the Pasadena Humane Society (through Jan 31, 2025). Please consider acting now. 

Click here to receive your pet’s portrait and help the animals affected by the California wildfires.

The road to recovery for these animals will be long. The Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA need your help. By supporting them, you can help an injured pet heal. You also bring hope to families who have lost everything.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the animals who have suffered the most from this tragedy. Join us in supporting the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. Help ensure these displaced pets get the care they need to survive and thrive.

Please share this post and encourage your friends and family to contribute in any way they can. Every effort helps—together, we can make a difference!

Lindsay Evergreen Bio Pic

Blog Post Written by Lindsay Evergreen | Lead Production Artist | Hattas Studios