To LA Officials, Animal Services and Humane Society Administrators

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left thousands of families devastated, not only by the loss of homes and property but also by the separation from their beloved pets. As people navigate the unimaginable trauma of displacement, many are unable to immediately recover their pets from shelters or animal control.

While animal shelters play a crucial role in providing safety and care for displaced animals, current policies typically allow for a 30 day holding period before animals are made available for adoption or transfer. This creates an additional barrier for families who are still searching for their pets, sometimes while dealing with the overwhelming challenges of finding housing, recovering from the fires, and facing the immediate concerns of their survival.

We ask that LA animal shelters and Humane Societies hold all animals found in fire-affected areas for a minimum of 90 days to allow displaced pet owners sufficient time to search, recover, and reunite with their animals. This extended period will not only give people the crucial time they need but also provide the opportunity to ensure that animals who have been lost, displaced, or separated during the fires are not prematurely rehomed or adopted out without the owners being given proper notice and the chance to reclaim them.

This petition calls for the following changes:

A minimum 90-day holding period for animals affected by the LA fires, before they are made available for adoption or transfer.
Clear communication between shelters and the public regarding found animals, with an emphasis on helping people locate their lost pets.
Support and resources for families who may be displaced and unable to immediately retrieve their animals, such as temporary housing assistance, transportation, or reunification programs.
Our pets are family. During a crisis, these animals are often our source of comfort, and being separated from them only adds to the emotional burden. Many pet owners are currently in a situation where their priority is securing their own safety, and finding their pets is an added challenge that deserves understanding and support.

We can show compassion to both people and animals during this difficult time. By giving families more time to search for and reclaim their pets, we are allowing them to heal, recover, and rebuild together. Please join us in urging LA Animal shelters and Humane Societies to extend the holding period for animals displaced by the fires to 90 days.

Thank you for your time, attention, and compassion. Let’s help our families and pets reunite.