SAN FRANCISCO (May 23, 2025)—The San Francisco SPCA received $25,000 from PetSmart Charities to support its emergency relief efforts following the fires in Southern California earlier this year. This funding was used to provide essential aid to pets and their families affected by the disaster, ensuring they remain safe, healthy, and together during a crisis.
When the January fires forced evacuations across Los Angeles County, overwhelmed animal shelters issued an urgent call for help through CalAnimals. In response, the San Francisco SPCA dispatched a specialized team led by Dr. Hannah Weitzenfeld to Downey and Lancaster Animal Care Centers. The team identified and transported 30 vulnerable animals to the Bay Area, including those with acute medical needs. Prior to the transport, the SF SPCA waived adoption fees for the 118 animals already in their care to create the necessary space for these emergency rescues.
Disaster response grants made by PetSmart Charities promote people and pets staying together during crises when they need each other most. When people suffer during natural disasters, their pets often suffer too. As important members of the family, pets, too, have urgent needs for shelter, medical care, nutritious food, and social support.
“Our team saw firsthand how the wildfires placed immense strain on the already-full Los Angeles County shelters,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “With PetSmart Charities’ support, we were able to transport and care for these animals, giving the LA shelters breathing room to take in pets displaced by the fires.”
PetSmart Charities’ support of this rescue effort underscores the importance of collaboration across California’s animal welfare network during emergencies so that vulnerable animals can receive proper care during times of crisis.