On the morning of Jan. 17, a plane transporting 48 animals from the San Diego Humane Society landed at Hayward Executive Airport, as part of an effort to address overcrowding as the San Diego shelter prepares for an influx of pets displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires. The relocated animals were transferred to shelters in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest.
“This emergency flight is an important part of our larger response to provide critically needed aid to those affected,” said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, the organization that coordinated the flight.
As the fires continue to ravage LA, more pets are being abandoned during rapid evacuations. The San Diego Humane Society is providing temporary shelter but urgently calls for community support. They were already grappling with an overcapacity crisis of their own; in October, they reported an influx of over 180 puppies daily. SD Humane Society CEO Gary Weitzman thanked volunteering shelters, including Oregon Humane Society, East Bay SPCA, Marin Humane, Humane Society of Sonoma County, and Pets in Need, for stepping up to help.
“This transport lets us step up and give our friends in Los Angeles the support they need during this devastating crisis, and for that we are incredibly grateful,” Weitzman said.
Timid barks could be heard as local shelter workers unloaded crates from the plane and into waiting vans. Pets in Need behavior and rescue manager Michelle Suarez soothed a nervous puppy with a treat while expressing gratitude for her shelter’s ability to assist. Pets in Need took in three dogs, a rescue effort made possible by the strong network of foster families supporting the shelter. As they take on more animals, Suarez emphasizes the critical role volunteer-fosters play in easing the burden on shelters and urges anyone with room in their home to consider welcoming a four-legged friend.
“One of the best ways the community can step up is to foster,” Suarez said.
