At the urgent request of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, the ASPCA has deployed our disaster response team to help rescue animals impacted by mudslides that have devastated Montecito, California, and neighboring communities. As part of our emergency effort, we’ve been on the ground since Saturday providing animal search-and-rescue operations and responding to calls from displaced residents whose pets need immediate care. 

The fatal mudslides in Montecito have taken the lives of at least 20 people and forced thousands more to quickly evacuate their homes. The disaster and ensuing evacuations left many pets in danger. 

 “The life-threatening impact these mudslides have had on thousands of residents and their pets – especially after California already felt the wrath of back-to-back wildfires – is truly heartbreaking,” said Dick Green, Senior Director of ASPCA Disaster Response. “The ASPCA is committed to working alongside Santa Barbara County Animal Services to provide life-saving assistance for the many animals in danger due to this devastating situation.”

Residents who need help recovering their pets from their homes or are in need of emergency sheltering for pets are encouraged to contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services at their hotline (805) 681-4332.

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