California wildfires continue to pose significant threats to communities across the state. When faced with evacuation orders or warnings, it's crucial to have a plan and know where to turn for assistance. This article provides information on essential resources available to those impacted by these devastating events.
As wildfires rage across California, many residents are being forced to evacuate their homes. Here are some resources available to those impacted:
Evacuation Shelters Open to Evacuees and Small Animals
Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
Ritchie Valens Rec Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima 91331
El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Road, Woodland Hills 90025
The following shelters are available for animals affected by the evacuation orders caused by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County. For updated information on capacity for each of the following shelters. Please visit this page.
Animal Shelters Accepting Small Animals
Agoura Animal Care Center 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384
Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
Animal Shelters Accepting Large Pets
LA Equestrian Center Large Animal Shelter: 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank 91506
Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384
Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
Capacity for 200 horses; not staffed by DACC
Pomona Fairplex 1101 W Mckinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Receiving horses only
Important Notes
At this time Parts of Malibu, Santa Monica, and western Los Angeles have evacuation orders in effect, with evacuation warnings in parts of Topanga.
Evacuation Orders signify an immediate threat to life.
Evacuation Warnings signify a potential threat to life and property. Begin preparing to leave, especially if you have pets or livestock that require extra time.
Call for Local Fosters
The influx of displaced animals due to the wildfires can be overwhelming for local shelters. If you can provide temporary foster care for cats, dogs, or other small animals, please contact your local shelter. The public's help can be crucial in providing these animals with safety, comfort, and a chance to recover from this event.
Pasadena Humane is actively seeking pet foster families who can provide temporary housing for a week or longer, particularly those located outside the fire threat areas. If you can provide temporary foster care for cats, dogs, or other small animals, please consider contacting:
Pasadena Humane
Location: 361 S. Raymond Ave.
Email: foster@pasadenahumane.org
Taking Lost, Stray, or Displaced Pets to Shelters
If you find a lost, stray, or displaced pet, please take them to a shelter outside of the fire threat areas. This will help ensure their safety and make it easier for them to be reunited with their owners. Here are some animal shelters outside of the fire threat areas:
San Gabriel Valley Humane Society: 851 E. Grand Ave., San Gabriel, CA 91776
Phone:(626) 286-1159
Email: frontoffice@sgvhumane.org
Stray Paws Animal Haven: 9858 Rush St, South El Monte, CA 91733
Email: info@straypawsanimalhaven.org
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other shelters outside of the fire threat areas that are accepting pets.
Stay Informed
Monitor local news and emergency alerts for the latest updates on evacuation orders and warnings.
Follow the instructions of your local officials.
This information is intended to provide general guidance. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your local emergency management agency.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
“Eaton Fire Pet Shelter.” LAist, 2025, laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/pasadena-humane-seeks-pet-foster-families-donations. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
“Emergency Animal Shelter Information: Los Angeles County Fires - Animal Care and Control.” Animal Care and Control - Los Angeles County, Animal Care and Control, 8 Jan. 2025, animalcare.lacounty.gov/emergency-animal-shelter-information-los-angeles-county-fires/. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
“Emergency Preparedness | LA Animal Services.” Www.laanimalservices.com, www.laanimalservices.com/emergency-preparedness.
“It’s Flood Preparedness Week: Use These Tips and Resources to Stay Safe | Cal OES News.” Ca.gov, 21 Oct. 2024, news.caloes.ca.gov/its-flood-preparedness-week-use-these-tips-and-resources-to-stay-safe/, https://doi.org/10/2016/09/cropped-CalOES-512x512-32x32. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Weber, Lindsay, and Daniel Macht. “Palisades Fire: “High Number of Significant Injuries,” 1,000 Structures Destroyed in LA County Fire.” KCRA, 8 Jan. 2025, www.kcra.com/article/palisades-fire-los-angeles-county-january-8/63371474. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
