North Bay animal shelters help pets displaced by Valley Fire
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- The Valley Fire has taken its toll, not just on people and homes but on pets and livestock, too. Animal shelters across the North Bay are pulling together Friday night to help these displaced pets.
They're making room for everyone who needs shelter or a new home.
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Kelly Tracey is checking on dozens of cats now residing in a spare room at the Napa Animal Shelter. These cats were boarded at a Lake County vet clinic, forced to evacuate from the Valley Fire.
They're waiting for their owners to claim them but that could take time. "They've lost their homes, they've lost everything. They just know the pet is going to be one more thing," Tracey said.
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The shelter is offering free boarding to fire victims but some won't be coming back. Jack's owners surrendered him because they have no means to care for him anymore.
Yani will soon be looking for a new home too. "We just work on managing her stress, keep her as calm as possible," Tracey said.
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Yani and Jack will be available for adoption soon. "And hopefully they'll be finding homes really quick," Tracey added.
The Lake County Animal Shelter is trying to reunite more than 200 dogs and cats with their owners. The shelter's Facebook page has pics of animals found after the fire.
Officials are quick to dismiss a rumor on social media that some would be euthanized to make room. "That is not true. During a time of disaster, we do everything we can to make sure these animals get reunited with their owners," Tracey said.
At the Napa County Fairgrounds, animal owners are getting the help they need for their pets.
Carrie Gadeck drove there from El Sobrante with vet supplies. "If it treats 20 animals, then great. That's 20 animals that need the treatment that wouldn't have otherwise gotten it," she said.
In the meantime, animal shelters are making room for more visitors.
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