California Wildfires: Where and How to Help Affected Equestrians

As the wildfires in Los Angeles, CA continue to burn, several outposts for assistance have been set up to aid those affected and animal welfare organizations are seeking donations to assist as many animals as possible.

First and foremost, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control encourages those wanting to help to find legitimate, registered organizations and nonprofits and asks that volunteers not show up unannounced.

The LADACC reminds us that the best way to help relief efforts is by donating money so that organizations can obtain what they need. Below is a list of animal welfare organizations currently collecting money to help fire victims:

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control handles animal control for Los Angeles County and has been coordinating evacuation shelters for large and small animals. For those looking to help in person, the agency said it is prioritizing volunteers with equine and livestock experience to help feed and muck out more than 200 evacuated horses, as well as help with new pick-ups. Interested volunteers must email [email protected] and await instructions, not show up unannounced at evacuation shelters.

The Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund is providing emergency grants to help people affected by the fires cover essential costs. Apply for grants here and donate here.

Fleet Of Angels is a nonprofit that operates nationwide to help horse owners and small rescues in the face of natural disasters and other major emergencies.

USEF Disaster Relief Fund is managed by the U.S. Equestrian Association to help horses that are victims of natural disasters.

LA Animal Services runs six city shelters in Los Angeles and has been accepting and coordinating evacuation shelters for large and small animals.

Pasadena Humane as taken in over 400 animals from the Eaton Fire Emergency. They are in need of monetary donations to help us purchase medical supplies and other resources as they start to see a significant increase in the number of burned and injured animals coming to their shelter.

Also, several outposts for assistance have been set up to aid those affected. Calabasas Saddlery is one such outpost, setting up a donation site where a large number of items is available for pickup by those displaced or otherwise affected by the fires. Additional donations are also being accepted for distribution into the community. You can find a list of what’s available and what is being accepted above or by clicking here.

At the time of writing, the Palisades fire just to the north of Santa Monica is at 14% containment, while the other major fire, the Eaton fire to the north of Pasadena, is 33% contained.

If you know of other organizations that should be added to this list, please feel free to let us know by emailing [email protected]. Put WILDFIRE RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS in the subject line.