How to support displaced pets from L.A. wildfires

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Amid the evacuations and people fleeing their homes from the wildfires in Los Angeles, many pets have been left behind and displaced.

Los Angeles shelters are sending their animals across the country to accommodate the influx of lost or abandoned pets.

Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit animal welfare organization, has aided in rescuing and rehoming L.A. pets. The organization is accepting donations that go directly to Los Angeles shelters and has received all the items listed on its Amazon wishlist.

Sophia Proler, the South Central Region Director for Best Friends Animal Society, said its organization moved 260 dogs and cats out of L.A. in the past five days.

"The community has really rallied around the victims of this fire, four-legged and two-legged and we're grateful that we can be a part of it," Proler said. "Sometimes when natural disasters like this happen, sometimes the best in people come out and if we can just keep that in mind and apply that to our daily lives we can save all the animals in the shelters."

While the wildfires in Los Angeles have led to a great need for support, Proler said she also wants to focus on the needs of local shelters in the Rio Grande Valley with the colder temperatures expected next week.

"Right now with the cold snap coming into the Valley, there is an immediate need for foster families and for adopters, so if you are considering adding a pet to your home, now is a great time," Proler said.

The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center is one shelter that is currently at full capacity.

Jean Carlos Rosado, Service Animal Manager for the City of Brownsville, said they are preparing for the cold weather by insulating windows and encouraging the public to foster pets.

"Once you combine the cold front with the rain, a lot of the fences of the citizens tend to fall while the citizens are at work. The animal gets cold, it gets scared, and that’s when they tend to run out," Rosado said.

To help, you can donate supplies like dog and cat food or blankets to local shelters. Rosado said blankets are a necessity during this time.

He is also hoping to help Los Angeles animal shelters during their time of need.

“I’m really concerned about what’s going on over there," Rosado said. "We had different groups coming over here and helping us so we want to return the favor, and we’re here for the animals, not just in Texas. We’re here for any other animals that are in need.”