Wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last year revealed a powerful truth: communities respond most effectively when they work together. While first responders, neighbors, and local organizations demonstrated courage and support for people, the animal welfare community faced a unique challenge – and rose to meet it with unprecedented collaboration.
A System Under Strain
Shelters in Los Angeles and Pasadena were already operating at capacity before the Eaton and Palisades fires. The influx of displaced pets created an immediate crisis, requiring a rapid response to protect both the animals already in care and those newly evacuated from danger zones. The situation demanded a shift from typical operational procedures.
Traditionally, animal welfare organizations focus on their specific areas of expertise. During the fires, these boundaries dissolved as groups pooled resources and expertise. The immediate priority became creating space within shelters, achieved by accelerating foster placements and adoptions.
Community Steps Up
The response from the public was immediate and overwhelming. At the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center, over 350 people crowded the lobby seeking to foster or adopt, even as smoke filled the air. This surge in support enabled organizations like Best Friends to move more than 1,700 adoptable animals out of local shelters and away from the fires.
When ground transportation proved insufficient, innovative solutions emerged. More than 300 animals were flown to safety via partnerships with Wings of Rescue, the Philadelphia Eagles, and other organizations, reaching destinations including Salt Lake City, New York, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
Pasadena Humane mirrored this collaborative spirit, taking in animals from evacuation zones, providing medical care for burn and smoke injuries, and transferring adoptable pets to partner organizations. Even with increased intake due to the fires, Pasadena Humane maintained a save rate around 90% throughout 2025.
Looking Ahead
A year after the fires, Pasadena Humane continues to care for displaced animals and support affected families. The experience highlighted a crucial point: lifesaving is a shared responsibility, not the sole domain of any single organization. The question now is whether this level of commitment can be sustained even without the immediate pressure of a disaster.
It is possible that, without a crisis to galvanize action, the momentum could wane. However, the success of the response suggests that increased visibility of shelter needs – and a continued emphasis on community involvement – could lead to sustained improvements in animal welfare. Analysts expect that ongoing collaboration between organizations and continued public support will be key to maintaining progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the immediate challenge facing animal shelters during the fires?
The immediate challenge was a lack of space, as shelters were already full and faced an influx of pets displaced by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
How did Best Friends Animal Society respond to the crisis?
Best Friends worked with local organizations to move more than 1,700 adoptable animals out of local shelters and away from danger, utilizing both ground transportation and airlifts with partners like Wings of Rescue and the Philadelphia Eagles.
What happened with transfer rates at Pasadena Humane?
Pasadena Humane significantly increased its transfer rate of cats and dogs, moving around 500 animals in 2025 compared to approximately 200 in 2024.
How can we ensure this level of community support continues beyond times of crisis?