Helen Woodward Animal Center is helping to ease overcrowding at shelters in Los Angeles fire zones, through their partnership with SPCA LA.
SAN DIEGO — Chico is a three-year-old dog who has just arrived in San Diego from the SPCA LA. With his sweet temperament and a heart full of hope, Chico is now available for adoption at Helen Woodward Animal Center. He’s one of 18 dogs just rescued from shelters overwhelmed by animals due to the devastating wildfires in California.
In partnership with SPCA LA, the Helen Woodward Animal Center is helping to ease overcrowding in fire zone shelters, now filled with displaced pets and animals needing care. None of the dogs were taken from individuals or families affected by the fires. Instead, they’re orphan shelter animals at risk of euthanasia if another shelter cannot take them in.
“What happens in natural disasters is we pull animals from other shelters,” explained Helen Woodward volunteer Courtney Williams. “This allows fire zone shelters to take in displaced pets who hopefully have owners looking for them. By relocating these animals, we’re giving them a chance at a better life.”
The Helen Woodward team made health and temperament assessments on the dogs at SPCA Long Beach before bringing them back to Helen Woodward. Each dogs were tested to ensure they were comfortable around people and ready for adoption.
Chico passed his evaluations with flying colors, showing a sweet and loving demeanor. He’s already captured hearts as he experienced the joy of running freely for the first time in a year. All the dogs the team brought back to Helen Woodward will be a joyful addition to any family.
“We see a lot of sad stories here, but once they’re in our care, we know they’re going to have a brighter future,” Williams says.
Chico is ready for adoption now. The other 17 dogs will need a couple of weeks to complete their vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures before they can join forever homes.
The center is also calling for fosters to help create more space for incoming orphan pets from the LA fire zones.
If you’re looking to adopt, foster, or support their mission, you can find more information on their website.
As for Chico? He’s waiting to meet his new family—ready to share love, joy, and a fresh start.
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