Pets Find Refuge in Vet’s Care During LA Wildfires

Imagine a veterinarian who opens her doors to animals in need during a wildfire. That’s exactly what Annie Harvilicz, a Los Angeles vet, did. She welcomed over 40 dogs, cats, and even a rabbit named Oreo into her home and an empty pet hospital. Why? Because their owners couldn’t take them along as they fled the Palisades Fire. This fire forced thousands to evacuate, and Annie saw an opportunity to help. “I have space and I can help, ” she said. So, she began taking in pets at her Animal Wellness Center in Marina del Rey. She even brought some animals into her own home near the LA airport. The fire was about 12 miles away, but the danger was real.

Annie didn’t just take in small pets. She tried to help bigger animals too, like donkeys. But it wasn’t easy. One owner needed trailers for her nine donkeys, and without them, the donkeys were left behind. “The real tragedy is the large animals, ” Annie said. Annie’s effort wasn’t easy. She didn’t sleep, her eyes hurt from the smoke, but she kept going. “I love animals and want to take care of them, ” she said. She even posted on Facebook, offering to house fire-displaced animals after her brother asked her to care for his cat and rabbit. Others joined Annie to help. Many pet owners had multiple pets and couldn’t take them to hotels. Annie’s message? “Reach out to a vet if your pet needs help. ”

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