NEED HELP WITH LARGE ANIMALS OR PETS DURING THE FIRE? HERE ARE UPDATED RESOURCES

By Miriam Raftery

June 22,2016 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re evacuating from the Border Fire, be aware that the Circle T Ranch is filled to capacity. The County  advises that large animal shelters are available at the Boulevard Customs and Border Protection station on 2463 Ribbonwood Rd. in Boulevard and has provided contact numbers for help to evacuate pets and livestock.

In addition, several private ranch owners have notified East County Magazine that they have facilities to take in large animals.

The San Diego Humane Society has worked with the Red Cross to set up a pet-friendly shelter in conjunction with the family evacuation shelter at Los Coches Middle School on 9669 Dunbar Lane in El Cajon.

If you are unable to safely take your animal with you when evacuating your home, both the San Diego Humane Society and San Diego County Department of Animal Services have resources in place to help get your companion pets and livestock to safety.  Donations to the effort can be made at the local San Diego Humane Society Campus on 5500 Gaines Street. High-need donation items include livestock food and hay, dog and cat food, and cat litter.

For emergency assistance with evacuating companion animals/pets, call the San Diego County Department of Animal Services Emergency Dispatch Line at (619)236-2341.

For livestock, contact the San Diego Human Society’s Animal Rescue Reserve at (619)299-0871.

Here are private individuals who have offered a haven for large animals:

Valerie Watts in Alpine writes:

“We have 6 large corrals, a bullpen and a riding arena available for evacuated stock.  There is also plenty of parking for rigs and/or areas that could be used for temporary corrals if needed.  No feed, but well water is available.  15932 Sequan Truck Trail, Alpine.   619-850-6596; vwsing@gmail.com

Kiki Skagen Munshi in Julian writes:

I tried calling 211 to try to offer shelter to a couple/family and up to three horses but was on hold forever.  The offer is good for people and/or horses should anyone need it.  It’s too bad there isn’t someone coordinating volunteers to help out because I think a lot of us would be willing to do so.”

PO Box 1557, Julian, CA 92036. 760 765 0484; kiki@skagenranch.com

For more information on how to plan for the safety of your animals in case of a disaster, visit here.