When wildfires swept through Southern California in January of this year, the destruction extended beyond homes and infrastructure—it also left thousands of animals in urgent need of care. Many were separated from their families, injured, or displaced with nowhere to go. In the wake of the disaster, Pasadena Humane stepped in as a critical resource, providing emergency shelter, medical treatment, and reunification services for animals affected by the fires. BBF has provided a grant to help sustain Pasadena Humane’s response and long-term recovery initiatives, ensuring that animals impacted by the fire receive the care they need long after the flames are extinguished.

During the disaster, Pasadena Humane provided shelter for more than 1,000 animals and reunited nearly 1,500 pets with their families, including more than 900 in the field. Their team worked to evacuate animals, provide emergency medical care for those suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, and distribute essential pet supplies to families navigating displacement and recovery. Even after the flames were extinguished, the need for support has remained as Pasadena Humane continues to shelter displaced pets, treat animals with lingering health effects, and assist owners in rebuilding their lives with their beloved companions.

BBF’s grant will help sustain these emergency response efforts while providing long-term recovery support. With this funding, Pasadena Humane can continue offering emergency sheltering for animals still separated from their families, medical treatment for those injured during the fire, and access to pet food and supplies through their Helping Paws Food Bank. It also supports extended stray hold periods, ensuring families have more time to locate missing pets and care for rescued community cats and wildlife affected by habitat destruction.