Los Angeles: Dr. Annie Harvilicz, a Los Angeles veterinarian, has opened multiple facilities to shelter animals during the Palisades Fire.
Her effort began when her brother asked her to care for his family’s pets, a bunny named Oreo and a cat, Winston.
As evacuation orders expanded, Harvilicz opened her Marina Del Rey and Harbor City facilities to house displaced pets.
These shelters have quickly filled with animals, including injured pets and livestock from a burned-down petting zoo.
Community Support Floods In
Harvilicz’s Facebook call for assistance led to hundreds of messages from volunteers eager to offer help.
Many brought food, bedding, and supplies or assisted with staffing to provide round-the-clock care.
Her two locations in Marina Del Rey—one unused after a recent move—have served as safe havens for evacuees’ animals.
Harbor City, 20 miles away, now houses five goats, two sheep, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and more after the zoo’s destruction.
Providing Medical and Emotional Care
Veterinary staff and volunteers are working tirelessly, offering food, space, and medical care for animals with burns or injuries.
Dr. Harvilicz has slept only an hour but remains determined to shelter as many pets as possible during this crisis.
The larger animals, such as goats and turkeys, have also been given safe spaces in the Harbor City facility.
Harvilicz shared how deeply motivated she feels, saying animals inspire her to keep going despite exhaustion.
“A Community Effort to Protect the Innocent”
“Animals are innocent and amazing beings,” Harvilicz said, highlighting the community’s shared commitment to protecting displaced pets.
Volunteers continue helping with everything from cleaning to comforting nervous animals while their owners stay in temporary accommodations.
Some evacuees with multiple pets have expressed relief at having a safe place where all their animals can stay together.
Harvilicz added, “People want to ensure that every animal is safe, no matter how big or small.”
Her initiative represents a vital lifeline for both animals and their owners, showcasing the power of compassion during disasters.
