On November 8, 2018, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history decimated an entire community known as Paradise, in Butte County.
The Camp Fire destroyed over 15,000 homes, displacing 30,000 residents as well as a conservative estimate of 40,000 animals. Since that day, as second-responders Butte Humane Society has been providing relief for families and their pets as they begin the challenging process of rebuilding their lives.
The organization is committed to providing long-term care and services for Camp fire victims and their animals. BHS has dedicated over $400,000 to
provide long-term services, support and care (waived fees for veterinary services, vaccines, microchips,
spay/neuter, adoption fees, etc.).
Disaster relief has been established and will continue through 2019 and beyond.
From November 8, 2018 – August 20, 2019, BHS contributed to the Camp Fire Relief Efforts in the following ways:
- Crisis Triage – The BHS medical team cared for burned cats over 60 days in our veterinary clinic.
- Pet Food Pantry – Families displaced by the Camp Fire have visited our Pet Pantry more than
80,000 times since we started. The Pantry, now open one day per week, still attracts new families
just now hearing about the program. We’ve provided ongoing assistance to 16,000+ animals. - Evacuation Support – Our cat adoption center and all dog kennel space was dedicated to housing
evacuated animals while families established housing. - Fee-waived Veterinary Services – Over $80,000 (microchips, vaccinations, testing, exams,
preventatives, and other services etc.) to date. - Crisis Resource Coordinator – Assisting individuals and families with animal welfare needs and
questions as they begin to rebuild their lives after the fire. From answering questions, providing
information/resources, and helping with reunification, the coordinator will assist during large-
scale local and regional emergencies, as well as individual crisis situations throughout the year. - Disaster Preparedness – In addition to developing a curriculum for children, BHS will be creating
animal disaster go bags; that will contain information, checklists and basics supplies that will
inspire animal owners to be pet prepared; should they need to evacuate their homes. - Animal Welfare Evacuation Information Headquarters – BHS has made the first steps in
establishing a leading role in animal welfare disaster preparedness. Plans are being made to
create a “centralized information headquarters” in our new facility, in preparation for
local/regional disaster support throughout Northern California.
