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Pets and wildlife are slowly being rescued after the horrific Paradise Camp Fire swept through last week. Our photographers are there to document the fire and its aftermath, and some heartbreaking pictures were made. Stay tuned for more of our coverage as both humans and animals cope with the widespread devastation.
Here’s how you can donate to help the pets and wildlife affected by the Camp Fire:
- Caring Choices has volunteers caring for displaced animals and offering medical care. www.caring-choices.org/home.html
- Butte Humane Society is accepting wet and dry pet food, litter boxes, kennels, crates, leashes, toys and more at 2580 Fair St. in Chico or through an Amazon wish list . The food and supply pantry is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for Camp Fire evacuees. http://buttehumane.org/donate; 530-343-7917
- North Valley Animal Disaster Group is providing emergency animal sheltering and evacuating animals from fire areas, when safe to do so. www.nvadg.org/about/donate/ and 530-895-0000
- VCA Animal Hospitals is offering free boarding for displaced pets, as availability permits. https://vcahospitals.com/
- Golden Gate Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy is offering a 30 day supply of free pet medication for those affected by the wildfires. 888-855-6337.
- Oroville Hope Center is collecting pet food and litter for victims of the fire at 1950 Kitrick Ave. A in Oroville. www.orovillehopecenter.org/services/camp-fire-donations; 530-538-8398
Other animal organizations assisting those affected by the fire:
- Northwest SPCA — www.nwspca.org/index.php/donate; 530-533-7636
- Chico Cat Coalition — www.chicocatcoalition.org/donation; 530-8941365
- Wags & Whiskers Pet Rescue — www.wagsandwhiskerspetrescue.com/donate.html; 530-895-8888
- Horse Plus Humane Society — www.horseplushumanesociety.org/donate; 1-888-HPHS-077
- Tony La Russa’s ARF Disaster Relief — http://bit.ly/2RSJdyh; 925.256.1273
Animal disaster preparedness tips from the Humane Society of the United States:
For horses and other large animals:
- If you have a horse or large animal at a boarding facility or barn, ensure the locks to the barn doors are operational and easily able to be opened in the event of an emergency.
- Have trailers lined up and ensure that you have enough vehicles to move the amount of horses at your barn/facility.
In extreme danger with limited time, let your horse or large animal into a larger enclosed area that has been tamped down and is out of the line of fire. Ensure the safety of first response personnel by not allowing the horses to run free. - If you are evacuating, let your large animals out into a paddock or corral, cut off their access to return to a barn or stall (as they will naturally retreat back to where they are fed or cared for, even if the structure is on fire), and make sure the animal is easily identifiable; consider using non-toxic spray paint to spray paint your phone number on their body for easy reunification purposes.
Small wild animals:
- Do everything you can to allow fleeing animals to pass through and if you are not in a line of fire, provide access to fresh water.
- The assistance/guidance of a professional wildlife rehabilitator is likely required if the animal requires assistance or intervention
Disaster kit:
Have a disaster kit ready in your home at all times. Here are the items to include:
- Food and water for at least five days for each pet. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
- Medications for at least five days and all medical records, including vaccination history. Keep these stored in a waterproof container. You may also consider storing them digitally on a flash drive or online.
- Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags for identification. Microchipping your pet is ideal as collars can be easily removed.
- Pack a pet first aid kit.
- Litter box with extra liter and a scoop.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely.
- Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your animals.
- Comfort items, which may include a pet bed or a special toy, to reduce stress.
- Written information about your pets feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian. This information can also be kept digitally.