At the request of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control (DACC), the ASPCA deployed our disaster response team to assist in emergency sheltering efforts for animals impacted by the Woolsey Fire that has destroyed an estimated 90,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. We have been on the ground since Sunday providing resources and personnel to help hundreds of displaced animals and pet owners at pet-friendly evacuation shelters, including Hansen Dam and Pierce College. Additionally, we will continue to support DACC with requests for assistance with animals remaining in the impacted areas.

 “The wildfires in Northern and Southern California are putting hundreds of thousands of people, including their pets, at grave risk, and the ASPCA is committed to working alongside Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control to provide lifesaving assistance for animals and pet owners impacted by this devastating situation,” said Dick Green, Senior Director of ASPCA Disaster Response. “We are working closely with local officials to continuously assess the situation and provide critical support to help rescue and care for animals impacted by these fires.”

The devastating Woolsey fire has already claimed lives and forced more than 200,000 residents to evacuate. Residents in need of emergency sheltering for their pets or requiring assistance with pets who remain in the evacuated areas are encouraged to call 818-991-0071 or go to www.lacounty.gov/woolseyfire.

Year-round, the ASPCA deploys our Field Investigations and Response Team nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering and reunification efforts during disaster situations including wildfires, tornadoes and floods. In addition, we work closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities. To support work such as this and to help all our efforts to reach animals when lives are on the line, please consider making a lifesaving gift today.