The San Diego Humane Society's Animal Rescue Reserve (ARR) team is currently working with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) to evacuate domestic animals and livestock threatened by the Harris and Witch Creek fires with first priority being given to evacuation areas in Rancho Bernardo. SDHS staff is also caring for animals at the pet center at the Mira Mesa High School Evacuation Center.

Over the last two days, officers, staff and volunteers have helped in evacuating more than 400 animals and are directly assisting several thousand animals at evacuation centers throughout the county. It is estimated conservatively that between 10,000 to 15,000 animals are in evacuation centers countywide.

The San Diego Humane Society needs the following:

Large and Extra-Large Crates (Wire and Veri-Kennel plastic types)
Lead Ropes
Broodmare Halters
Pop-up Tents

The SDHS is acting as the central location for donations. They will be accepting donations of supplies at the San Diego Campus for Animal Care at 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110 or cash donations online at San Diego Humane Society. Call (619) 299-7012 for more information.

At the request of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, The Humane Society of the United States, is assisting in the rescue efforts for the thousands of animals who are in harm's way.

"The situation has become menacing for the residents and animals in the area," said Melissa Rubin, vice president of field services for The HSUS. "Many residents were able to take their animals with them as they evacuated. Unfortunately, it is much harder to evacuate horses and farm animals. When San Diego Animal Control reached out to us for assistance, we quickly agreed to devote considerable resources to this monumental rescue effort." More than 20 HSUS Disaster Services staff from across the country deployed to California to rescue horses, farm animals and pets affected by the rapidly advancing fires. Within 12 hours of receiving San Diego's request for assistance, members of The HSUS were on the ground assessing the situation and providing animal care assistance.