Foster for Helen Woodward Animal Center to Help Save Animal Orphans in the LA Wildfires

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People Help Animals, and Animals Help People

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s motto—“People help animals, and animals help people”—has never rung truer than during their urgent relief efforts amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that began on January 7, 2025.

A panting Australian Cattle Dog looking up at the camera on a grass lawn

With tens of thousands of homes destroyed, families displaced, and many pets lost or separated in the chaos, shelters across Southern California have seen a sharp rise in “community animals”—pets surrendered to shelters with no known owners, or found wandering after fleeing the flames. Our hearts go out to every person and animal affected by this tragedy.

Our trusted partner, Helen Woodward Animal Center, has long served the animal welfare community of Southern California—and their response to the wildfires proved their commitment knows no limits.

Life-Saving Initiatives in Action

In the first weeks of 2025, Helen Woodward Animal Center coordinated more than 10 emergency supply trips north to support impacted communities. Their teams delivered vital animal supplies—including pet food, dog toys, cat litter, treats, litter boxes, food and water bowls, and crates—as well as clothing, toiletries, blankets, human food, and medical supplies for displaced families.

A group of Helen Woodward volunteers gathered around a shelter after the LA wildfires

Thanks to generous donations and tireless coordination, they supported over 350 locations across more than 700 miles of LA County—providing sanctuary for lost or injured animals, aiding pet parents in crisis, and helping reunite found pets with their families.

Dogs in caged kennels at a shelter after the LA wildfires

The Growing Crisis of Orphan Pets

Despite these heroic efforts, reuniting displaced pets with their original families remains statistically unlikely. And while shelters focus on wildfire-related intakes, another urgent need emerges: the regular influx of orphan pets—animals with no known owners—who arrive weekly at high-intake facilities.

As Kendall Schulz, Animal Services Director at Helen Woodward, explains: “The work these shelters are doing to care for community animals is truly amazing. The heartbreak most people don’t realize is that, with kennels full of community pets, there’s simply no room for the regularly scheduled influx of orphan pets. Organizations like SPCA LA—and Helen Woodward Animal Center—rescue animals from high-kill facilities. If we can’t take them in, those lives are lost.”

A German Shepherd cross looking out of a caged kennel

How You Can Help: Become a Foster with FurPetVo

To address this critical gap, SPCA LA has specifically asked for support in caring for orphan pets who would otherwise face euthanasia if no family is found. Helen Woodward Animal Center is stepping up—and they urgently need foster families.

Opening your home to an orphan dog or cat—even temporarily—makes all the difference. Fostering gives animals time to receive essential medical care, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and behavioral support—all while freeing up kennel space for pets ready for adoption.

Best of all, FurPetVo provides everything fosters need: food, bedding, crates, toys, puppy pads, and ongoing guidance. All you provide is space, compassion, and loving care.

Fostering isn’t just lifesaving—it’s deeply rewarding. Many foster families form lasting bonds, and some even adopt their temporary residents. If you’re based in Southern California and believe you can open your home, here’s what’s required:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to transport pets to and from the Center for routine and emergency appointments.
  • Your home must be within range of one of FurPetVo’s San Diego emergency veterinary partners.
  • You’ll complete a foster application and watch the mandatory training video.
  • You’ll agree to a virtual home check conducted by a FurPetVo foster program representative.
  • You’ll provide daily in-home care and return each foster pet to the Center on the specified date.
  • You’ll drive foster pets to medical appointments at FurPetVo’s facility.
  • You’ll maintain accurate Foster Animal Care Logs—including weight, medication, and behavioral observations—and present them during Center visits.

If you’re ready to make a real difference, apply today to become a FurPetVo foster: Apply now