Full List of Shelters in L.A. County Accepting Animals Following Wildfires

As several wildfires continue to blaze through Los Angeles County, its Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is advising residents where to bring animals affected by the evacuation orders.

Four fires spreading throughout the county have claimed the lives of at least 10 and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Along with the people evacuating are their animals.

Leah Cohen, the DACC’s communications director, told Newsweek that as of Friday hundreds of animals had been brought into several of the department’s locations. These animals included cats, dogs, birds, pigs, livestock and reptiles.

The Agoura Animal Care Center brought in 88 animals. The Carson center has five, the Castaic and Downey centers each accepted two, and the Baldwin Park center has one. Five horses and three pigs went to Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, and 220 livestock animals went to the Pierce College Equestrian Center.

“Pierce College is at capacity, and Castaic and Agoura are no longer accepting animals due to proximity to other fires, out of an abundance of caution,” Cohen said.

“It’s possible some have been released back to their owners or transferred to different evacuation sites,” she said.

The DACC is currently accepting small animals at the following locations:

• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center
• Carson Animal Care Center
• Downey Animal Care Center
• Lancaster Animal Care Center
• Palmdale Animal Care Center

For large animals, the county lists the Lancaster Animal Care Center, Antelope Valley Fair and Industry Hills Expo Center as evacuation centers. The Pomona Fairplex is receiving horses only.

Be sure to check before arriving at these locations because availability may have changed.

“The best way anyone can support emergency operations at the L.A .County Department of Animal Care and Control is through the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, whose sole purpose is to support the animals in need through our agency,” Cohen said.

The foundation’s fund, Noah’s Legacy, goes specifically to emergencies, such as the fires the city is experiencing this week. Funds raised go to providing supplies, training and equipment.

The DACC extended its gratitude to those offering to help and volunteer. However, in a post shared on Instagram, the department asked those wanting to help to not show up at the sites or shelters.

“This can create confusion and distract staff from the task at hand,” the post reads.

Instead, those interested in volunteering should email volunteer@animalcare.lacounty.gov and await further information. People with equine and livestock experience will be prioritized.

Other L.A.-Based Rescues, Shelters

Several other animal rescue centers and welfare groups have immediately jumped in to offer assistance, as Newsweek previously reported. Groups like Best Friends Animal Society are transferring animals to other shelters with room, both within the county and out of state. Eleven pets had been adopted and 40 others were placed in foster care within one day.

The Labelle Foundation, an animal rescue service, says on its website it can place 40 animals in its boarding facility. The Westwood Recreation Center and Ritchie Valens Recreation Center are open for evacuees and are accepting small animals, Los Angeles Animal Services said online.

Two VCA animal hospitals in Los Angeles are offering free boarding for the pets displaced in the Palisades and Hurst fires. Contact VCA Chatsworth at 818-341-7770 or VCA Adler at 818-893-6366 to check availability.

Follow Newsweek’s live blog for real-time updates on the fire crisis in Los Angeles County. Stay informed with the latest news, analysis and official statements as events unfold.