Updated 8/6/18

The ASPCA remains on the ground in Northern California as the number of animals assisted in the wake of the recent wildfires has grown past 2,500. Your support makes lifesaving work like this possible. Please consider making a gift today so that we can continue to save animals’ lives when and where we’re needed most.

At the request of the Lake County Animal Care & Control and its animal disaster response team, Lake Evacuation & Animal Protection (LEAP), the ASPCA is currently on the ground in Lake County in Northern California assisting local agencies with field rescues and emergency sheltering for nearly 50 animals including cats, dogs, birds and livestock displaced by the wildfires currently spreading across the area.

After receiving the request, we deployed a group of responders to assist and will be sheltering displaced animals in our 30-foot disaster response trailer, which has been customized to house animals in the event of an emergency.

The ASPCA’s wildfire response efforts have been made possible thanks to the Lewyt Rescue Fund, which was generously established by the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust to support the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty and disaster response efforts. The Lewyt Rescue Fund was created in memory of the Trust’s founders, the late Alex and Elisabeth "Babette" Lewyt, who were instrumental in saving the lives of countless animals, both through philanthropy and hands-on work.

“Rescuing animals in desperate need of assistance during emergency situations like the wildfires burning through California is exactly why the Lewyt Rescue Fund was established,” said Wendy McColgan and Thomas Amlicke, trustees of the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust. “This donation is continuing to put into action the Lewyts’ life mission to protect animals from harm, and we are proud to support the ASPCA’s lifesaving work.”

“The wildfires in Northern California are putting pets and their owners in tremendous risk, and we’re proud to support Lake County Animal Care & Control to help rescue and care for those animals,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “We’re also grateful for generous support from the Lewyt Rescue Fund that enables this lifesaving work.”

LEAP and ASPCA responders will continue checking individual residences for pets and livestock left behind, as well as conducting wellness checks requested by pet owners to provide food and water for their animals who may be in need. Meanwhile, animals rescued from these devastating wildfires are currently being examined and treated by veterinarians at a former SPCA of Lake County facility located in Kelseyville, California.

“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the ASPCA during disasters,” said Bill Davidson, Director of Lake County Animal Care & Control. “The level of experience the ASPCA brings to the table is immeasurable, and our community is grateful for the assistance they’ve provided so far in helping animals impacted by the wildfires in Lake County.”

Pet owners looking to report lost pets or rescue needs should contact the Lake County Animal Care & Control at (707) 263-0278.