Seattle Welcomes Dozens of Displaced Animals Fleeing California Wildfires

At least 60 cats and dogs from Los Angeles County animal shelters will arrive at Boeing Field in Washington on Sunday, part of an emergency response to the devastating wildfires in California according to The Seattle Times.

Seattle Humane has partnered with charitable organizations Wings of Rescue and Paws 4 Life K9 Rescue to coordinate this life-saving transport.

Newsweek contacted Seattle Humane via email on Saturday for comment.

Why It Matters

California's shelters are experiencing severe strain as wildfires force tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, many unable to take their beloved pets.

The emergency transport creates crucial space in Los Angeles area shelters to accommodate animals directly impacted by the fires, which have claimed multiple lives and destroyed thousands of homes and structures.

What To Know

The transported animals come from existing shelter populations rather than pets recently separated from owners due to fires.

Upon arrival in the Emerald City, each animal will receive comprehensive health screenings, necessary vaccinations, and microchipping. Seattle Humane will begin adoption proceedings on Tuesday, with special identifiers marking these California rescues on their adoption website.

The Pittie Project PNW will separately accommodate seven to eight dogs from the Los Angeles area.

What People Are Saying

Brandon Macz, Seattle Humane PR Specialist: "We're freeing up space so that they can have the capacity to handle pets coming through."

How To Help

Numerous California animal welfare organizations are actively seeking assistance.

Best Friends Animal Society operates two walk-in pet pantries in Los Angeles and Granada Hills, providing essential supplies like pet food, litter, and leashes. Those interested in fostering can contact FosterLA@bestfriends.org. Pasadena Humane, managing over 300 evacuated animals, needs monetary donations for emergency resources and medical care.

Additional organizations seeking support include the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, SPCALA, the Labelle Foundation, Animal Wellness Foundation, Lange Foundation, and Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation.

Dogs being sheltered at the Pasadena Humane Society look out from their kennels on January 10, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Hundreds of pets have been displaced by the Eaton Fire and many residents have had...

What Happens Next

The rescue flight arrives Sunday afternoon at Boeing Field, where Seattle Humane will begin processing the pets. While the plane has capacity for more than 60 animals, the final number will be confirmed upon arrival.