Amidst the wildfires that recently devastated Los Angeles, thousands of people had to evacuate, tragically leaving many pets behind without any other choice. However, one veterinarian has stepped up to provide a sanctuary for these pets during this difficult time.
The Veterinarian’s Initiative
Dr. Annie Harvilics runs two animal hospitals in Los Angeles, but when her brother needed a haven for his pets amidst the fires, she realized that it wasn’t just his pets that needed help. She took one of her empty hospitals and turned it into a sanctuary.
The Impact of Wildfires
With the wildfires damaging over 10,000 structures, many people have been displaced and had to evacuate at a moment’s notice, leaving many pets behind. This means that hundreds, if not thousands, of animals are in urgent need of aid.
Opening the Doors
Thankfully, Dr. Harvilics had a veterinary clinic with vacant rooms—perfect for animals needing shelter. She needed to get the word out, so she went on social media and invited anyone who needed help. Many people seeking refuge for their animals reached out.
The Numbers of Rescued Animals
At peak numbers, Dr. Harvilics had over 40 pets sheltered in her clinic, including many dogs, cats, and even a rabbit. Most of the animals belonged to households with many pets that needed to find accommodation for all of them.
Community Support
Thankfully, Dr. Harvilicz wouldn’t have to do everything on her own. The community reached out to help her, providing food and supplies and even temporary fostering for animals that needed special care. The outreach showed tremendous compassion for the animals that needed help the most.
Helping Families Reunite
Dr. Harvilicz opened the clinic’s doors to pets in need because she believes that pets should stay with their families no matter what. She encouraged pet owners to look for pet accommodations before surrendering them to shelters.
The Role of Smaller Rescues
Dr. Harvilicz didn’t stop with her clinic. She also helped small rescue organizations evacuate their facilities when the wildfires came for them. She also provided them with shelter so they could keep doing amazing work.
Emotional Toll on Pet Owners
The emotional stress that pets and owners have gone through because of the L.A. fires is beyond what many can imagine. Once Dr. Harvilicz informed the community of her shelter, she received many emails from heartbroken families looking for lost pets.
Preparing for Emergencies
Dr. Harvilicz urged pet owners to prepare for emergencies like wildfires. She recommended listing essential items and planning where pets can go during an evacuation to minimize stress and confusion.
The Ongoing Need for Support
As wildfires continue to threaten communities in California, the need for support remains high. Organizations like Dr. Harvilicz’s are crucial in providing care and shelter for displaced animals and helping families navigate these challenging situations.
Future Preparedness
Looking ahead, Dr. Harvilicz hopes that more resources will be available for animal care during emergencies. Increased awareness about pet-friendly accommodations can help prevent pets from being abandoned or left behind during evacuations.
Compassion Amidst Disaster
Dr. Annie Harvilicz’s efforts exemplify bravery and compassion amid disaster. As wildfires continue to pose threats in California, communities must come together to support people and their beloved pets during times of crisis.
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