As wildfires devastate communities across Spokane, Washington, people and their pets have been forced to evacuate with little notice, creating an urgent need for lifesaving support. We’re also learning from our partners on the ground that dogs and cats are being brought into local veterinary clinics with burn injuries and suffering from smoke inhalation — and there are still more pets behind the fire line who need our help.
At the request of the Washington Emergency Management Division, Best Friends is leading the Washington State Pet Task Force, coordinating companion animal response across the state while working alongside emergency management agencies, veterinary organizations and clinics, shelters, and local partners to keep pets safe and with their families.
Currently, Best Friends is helping with evacuation shelter operations at the Spokane County Fairgrounds and Red Cross shelters, supporting pet intake and reunification efforts. We’ve also helped to create the Spokane wildfire pet support hotline to connect displaced families with pet resources, reunification assistance, and emergency support. Plus, working with Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), we’re using cameras to locate pets who’ve been left behind during evacuations.
The focus of our efforts, however, continues to be on ensuring that shelters have the capacity they need to help pets affected by the fires. Right now, we’re providing emergency stipends to shelters and Best Friends Network Partners that take in adoptable pets who were already in the care of shelters before the fires — ensuring that there’s room for displaced pets. In addition, we’re coordinating transfers with our partners and preparing additional emergency airlift support through Wings of Rescue if local shelter capacity becomes overwhelmed. Already, Spokane Humane Society has welcomed 22 cats, six dogs, and a litter of puppies, creating space for additional animals affected by the fires.
This year has posed many challenges already, most recently with the flooding in Texas. But thanks to you, no matter when or where catastrophe strikes, pets and their families get help in their greatest hours of need. And for that, we’re so grateful.
