Protect and Prepare for a Pet Affected by the Fires in Los Angeles.

Caring for your Foster Animal.

Guides for Support & Wellness.

These animals have already endured so much. As a foster, you play a vital role in their healing journey. Approach them with patience, kindness, and compassion—they need your care and love now more than ever. For detailed guidance, stay tuned for our upcoming Excel sheet, which will include recommendations on supplements, herbs, and adaptogens to support their recovery, as well as the trusted products we use in our home and with our animals to help them thrive.

Prepping.

  • Ensure your pet’s rides are safe by using proper carriers that are well-secured. For added comfort and security, bring a blanket to cover crates or carriers, creating a calm and stress-free environment. Be especially cautious with cats, as they can easily open zippers or find small gaps to escape. Double-check that all closures are secure before traveling. Please do not ride with an animal on your lap while driving. It is dangerous for everyone.

  • Refer to the Excel sheet for a complete list of recommended items.

  • Prepare your home to welcome your new animal by creating a safe and comfortable environment. Cats, in particular, love to jump, climb, scratch furniture, and mark their new territory, so it’s important to provide scratching posts, climbing spaces, and designated areas for them to explore. Ensure breakable or harmful items are out of reach and secure any potential escape routes.

    When introducing your new pet to other animals, do so slowly and gently, allowing everyone to acclimate at their own pace. Monitor interactions closely, especially if there’s a significant size difference between the animals, to ensure the safety and comfort of all. A calm, gradual introduction helps to reduce stress and promotes positive relationships.

  • Your animal needs a bath immediately to wash off any remaining smoke, soot or chemicals from the fires before they ingest more from licking.

  • A balanced, high-quality diet is essential for your animal’s health. Supplement their meals with fresh, species-appropriate foods to enhance their nutrition and overall well-being.

    Proper nutrition supports their immune system, promotes gut health, and helps them thrive in their new environment.

  • Wildfire smoke is a dangerous mix of toxic particles and gases that can seriously impact your pet’s health. Key toxins include:

    1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Ultra-fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory issues and inflammation.

    2. Harmful Chemicals: Combustion releases toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, which are especially harmful to pets with pre-existing health conditions.

    3. Heavy Metals: Burning structures and synthetic materials release metals like lead and arsenic into the air.

    4. Ozone: Fires contribute to ozone formation, which irritates the respiratory system and worsens asthma or other lung issues.

    Pets are more vulnerable to these toxins because of their smaller size and faster breathing rates. Protecting them from smoke exposure is crucial for their health and well-being.

  • Why Filtered Water is Critical for Pets
    Pets are smaller and often more sensitive to contaminants than humans, making them more vulnerable to toxins in water. Filtered water helps:

    • Remove heavy metals, VOCs, and particulates that could strain the liver, kidneys, or digestive system.

    • Reduce exposure to bacteria and harmful microorganisms, supporting immune and gut health.

    • Prevent long-term accumulation of toxins that may contribute to chronic health issues.

    Providing filtered water ensures your pets stay hydrated and minimizes exposure to potentially harmful substances lingering after a fire.

Physically.

  • Because there are limits to what you know about their medical state, history of medications, surgeries, ailments, illnesses, or diseases, always err on the side of caution until you have spent more time with them.

    For example, if you met our dog, you wouldn’t know that he has already undergone CCL surgery once (which needs to be redone along with his other leg), has an extremely rare condition called IKAs (Infundibular Keratinizing Acanthomas), and that his microbiome is currently very unbalanced due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This is why taking a holistic approach to their care and monitoring them closely is so important.

  • Many of the animals in need of fostering are from the fire and have been exposed to poor air quality, harmful chemicals, and fire particles that may still be trapped in their noses and lungs. It can take time for symptoms related to these exposures to become noticeable.

  • If your animal is coming from a shelter, they may have been exposed to various illnesses and fed a low-quality diet. For animals rescued from a fire, their history may be unknown. In either case, providing extra support for their immune system and gut health is essential.

  • We conduct body checks weekly, and a thorough check should be done immediately when taking in a new animal. Note any abnormalities and keep a detailed record, as this will be helpful for the future adopter.

  • Be gentle while checking that the ears are free of discharge and odor, and ensure the eyes appear clean and bright.

  • Keep their nails trimmed and paw pads free of hair.

Mentally.

  • First, know your limits when matching with a pet. Some breeds or personalities need more attention that not everyone can give.

    Provide enrichment activities and proper exercise.

    Don’t hesitate to reach out to the rescue for support. They may also work with a trainer who can assist you.

    Some animals may act out due to anxiety, pain, discomfort, stress or a lack of feeling safe. Their behavior can also stem from the specific situation they are in or interactions with other animals in your home. Just like humans, animals might act out for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious.