Protect and Prepare for a Pet Affected by the Fires in Los Angeles.
“This isn’t meant to discourage you but to help you understand and prepare for the challenges ahead, as well as the experiences the animal may have endured. Animals are incredibly resilient, but your patience, care, and preparation can make their transition much easier and provide the stability they need to heal.”
Fostering or adopting an animal, especially during an unprecedented tragedy like the Los Angeles fires, often involves addressing both physical and emotional trauma. Mentally, they may have just lost their humans and/or siblings, leaving them scared and unable to display their true temperament or behavior. Physically, they might be dealing with disruptions to their diet, irregular eating habits, and the stress of environmental and food changes.
The fires have created a dire situation for already overwhelmed Los Angeles shelters, making resources scarcer than ever. Your support truly means the world to these animals. Here are some of the situations your foster or adopted animal may have experienced:
Displacement from their home and familiar environment.
Separation from their family, whether human or animal companions.
Exposure to smoke, ash, or other environmental hazards.
Lack of consistent food, water, or medical care during the chaos.
High levels of stress and fear from the emergency evacuation process.
Understanding these potential challenges can help you create a calm, supportive environment for your new companion as they adjust to this next chapter of their life. Thank you for stepping up to help in their time of need, your support means everything to them.