6 months ago
SANTA BARBARA, CA - The Jesusita Fire is not only displacing people, it's leaving animals homeless too. In an effort to help, 10 volunteers with Sacramento's United Animal Nations left Thursday bound for Santa Barbara.
In a phone interview, Janell Matthies told News10 the Santa Barbara Humane Society's shelter was overwhelmed with evacuated pets.
"The actual shelter facility was completely full to capacity when we got here," described Matthies. "They were just finding any nook, cranny and crate where we could put animals," she added.
In the meantime, volunteers collected crates, beds, water and food bowls and set up a temporary shelter nearby with much more space. Matthies said they did so in the knick of time too. "People have been walking in in tears bringing their dogs, cats, and pets in," she said.
Matthies said the Sacramento group of volunteers are prepared to stay and help for as long as they are needed. United Animal Nations is also prepared to send even more volunteers.
To help support volunteer efforts by donating, click here.
The United Animal Nations also reminds pet owners to prepare for disaster by having an escape plan for both families and pets.
For escape plan tips, visit the United Animal Nations website.
KXTV/News10
