When wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, they left a trail of heartbreak and ash. But thanks to your generosity, hope rose from the embers. See how your compassion is helping animals bounce back.

Because of supporters like you, In Defense of Animals was able to respond immediately. We funded rescues, supplied emergency aid, and helped many animals begin the long road to recovery.

Our mission isn’t over. We continue to field urgent requests to save animals from harm caused by the fires — endangered fish under threat of toxic runoff, displaced animals who must be relocated before demolition begins, and finding, trapping, and treating lost animals who survived but remain in danger.

Your support is still saving lives!

California Wildlife Center

From bobcats to coyotes, and hawks to hummingbirds, CWC’s team of wildlife specialists worked tirelessly to rescue, heal, and release wild animals back to their habitats after the LA fires.

Among the most moving rescues were two bobcats who survived the Eaton Fire. A female bobcat was found with burns on her paws, struggling to navigate the charred landscape. A male bobcat arrived with singed fur and dehydration. Both were brought to CWC’s Malibu facility, where expert wildlife rehabilitators provided intensive care.

The bobcats got medical treatment and hydration therapy for fire-related injuries and dehydration, as well as nutritional support and recovery space to help them regain strength. It is very powerful to see both bobcats returned to the wild, healthy and free, supported by rescuers.

Weeks or months after fires, animals still suffer from respiratory issues, emaciation, and territorial disputes caused by habitat destruction. As Tayler Lackey, Development Coordinator at CWC, shared, “While the fires have ended, the need has not. Wildlife continues to struggle with the aftermath, and we are here to help them heal.” Thanks to you, CWC is able to remain on high alert and continues to provide expert care for displaced and injured wildlife.

Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL)

OBOL has supported animal rescues for 18 years and was an essential lifeline for displaced animals and their guardians during the fires. Operating 24/7, OBOL’s team and volunteers rapidly delivered life-saving supplies to evacuation centers, equestrian facilities, and a homeless community center, reaching locations from West Los Angeles to Pasadena and Castaic. OBOL’s team:

• Helped 130 displaced companions in two hours at the Ventura County wildfire evacuation center.
• Comforted hundreds of animals and their families with food, bedding, leashes, toys, and medical supplies.
• Mobilized three vans and six storage units to collect, store, and deliver critical supplies across the region.
• Supported animal guardians experiencing homelessness, ensuring their animals didn’t go hungry or cold.

OBOL co-founder Eileen Smulson shared her gratitude to In Defense of Animals supporters and explained, “Every day is a disaster for a homeless animal — but we are there to help. Whether it’s a wildfire or a storm, we make sure animals are safe, healthy, and loved.”

Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM)

The Palisades Fire devastated critical habitats, including the last refuge for two endangered species: Southern California steelhead trout and tidewater gobies. RCDSMM raced against time, launching one of the most ambitious fish rescue missions in recent history. Over 200 critically endangered steelhead trout were carefully rescued and relocated to the safety of Arroyo Hondo Creek, where they have now spawned a new generation — a miraculous win for a species on the brink!

Topanga Creek’s habitat is in ruins, and it could take years to recover. A groundbreaking genetic sequencing project — funded partly by In Defense of Animals supporters — will ensure tidewater gobies can be released into the safest, most suitable habitat without threatening genetically distinct populations. Samples were collected from fish who died naturally after the fire to ensure these tiny, endangered gobies have a future.

The Foundation for Pierce College (Large Animal Rescue)

When large animals like horses needed to be evacuated, Pierce College stepped up. Working with Los Angeles County Animal Services and Fleet of Angels equine rescue, their campus became a safe haven for displaced horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs. Your support funded resources and temporary care while guardians secured long-term arrangements, and will ensure that the facilities are ready to take in animals when the next disaster strikes.

Additional Organizations You Helped:

Philozoia Animal Rescue

This small sanctuary was destroyed by the Palisades Fire. In Defense of Animals helped coordinate an emergency mission to evacuate surviving ponies and other animals from the burning facility.

Watch the rescue mission.

West Valley Animal Shelter

This city-run shelter provided urgent refuge for cats, dogs, and other animals displaced by the fires. Your donation helped provide critical supplies and comfort items for rescued companions.

Viva Rescue

Viva Rescue, located in Acton, California, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of farmed animals and dogs in need. During the fires, they assisted in evacuations and housed animals who were stranded, abandoned, or in need of long-term recovery. Your funding supported their emergency response and rebuilding efforts.

Kinship Circle

Kinship Circle deploys trained responders during natural disasters and crisis zones to provide direct animal care. During the LA fires, their experienced volunteers assisted with evacuations, emergency sheltering, and reuniting displaced animals with their guardians.

Love Always Sanctuary

A peaceful haven for rescued farmed animals in the high desert of California, Love Always Sanctuary was affected by fire-related air quality and displacement concerns. Your support helped them continue to provide medical care, food, and refuge for vulnerable animals in their care during this high-risk time.

Thank you for being a lifeline.

Your donations, shares, and support allowed animals to escape fire zones, find healing, and start again. Together, we’re building a future where every life — wild or domestic — is protected and cherished.

What YOU Can Do

Your compassion helped animals survive and heal — and there’s more you can do right now:

• Donate to support fire victims: Every dollar goes toward lifesaving rescues and recovery efforts. Give Now
• Be ready when disaster strikes: Protect your animal companions — read our Animal Disaster Preparedness Guide
• Shop to support survivors: 100% of profits from our LA Fire Fund merchandise go directly to our Fire Fund. Show your love and spread awareness! Shop Here
• Understand the cause: Learn how animal agriculture fuels the climate crisis and intensifies wildfires: President’s View
• Choose compassion daily: Protect animals, including humans, and the planet — one meal at a time. Download Our Digital Vegan Starter Guide or Order Your Hard Copies

Together, by responding to this crisis and others in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, we’re creating a world where animals are safe, respected, and free. Thank you for being part of the change.