It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Pleasant Grove House State Historic Landmark gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Rescue, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great care for my husband, David Reynolds. We are happy with our caregiver Shristi”
“Eshneet with Always Best Care is an honest and trustworthy person. I would highly recommend”
“Eshneet is an extremely down to earth and caring individual! If you or your family”
“This is the best senior care services company in the Sacramento area, and it’s not”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care! Dan, the owner, is such a caring and”
“I’d highly recommend ABC Senior Services when looking for long term care for a loved”
“It’s been wonderful working with Carrie from Always Best Care. She took time to guide”
“Amanda Wild ' she is Great with Me, Helps with ever I Need, Helps my”
“This company is amazing. I would recommend it to everybody. If you have a”
“Your caregivers were superb. It’s not easy to support those at end of life and”
“Carrie was phenomenal in assisting us with finding a place suitable for my mothers needs,”
“We had the pleasure of working with Susan. We had an urgent matter that we”
“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory”
“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory”
“Louiscea is always dependable and on time. Goes out of her way to get”
“Lynette Devan has been our caretaker since early January 2024. She is diligent, self-motivated, and”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about four years now, and I’ve always”
“Started working for the company a few months ago, it has been one of the”
“The caregivers are wonderful, particularly Shristi. She is such a gem and she has become”
“Victoria Bourke is a wonderful caregiver. She’s very supportive of my mom and me.”
“I was frantic and knew very little about how to care for my father at”
“Tori Burke has been great. She's doing a awesome job helping my mother”
“Grateful for my health aide Shannon. She’s a great listener, always ready to hear my”
“My husband has been with Always Best Care since the end of last year recommended”
“I recently used Always Best Care to help me find a place for elderly mother.”
“Great care for my husband, David Reynolds. We are happy with our caregiver Shristi S”
“Eshneet with Always Best Care is an honest and trustworthy person. I would highly recommend Always Best Care and Eshneet for helping your loved ones find the right senior care.”
“Eshneet is an extremely down to earth and caring individual! If you or your family are in need of some senior assistances, make sure she is your first call!”
“This is the best senior care services company in the Sacramento area, and it’s not even close. They hold themselves and their employees to a high standard and ethics that is rare in this industry. Shoutout to Eshneet, she does fantastic work hustling all around town!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care! Dan, the owner, is such a caring and genuine human and goes above and beyond to serve the seniors in our community. I've also gotten to know Eshneet and she is wonderful to work with. There's no company I trust more to provide great quality and affordable in-home services to people I love.”
“I’d highly recommend ABC Senior Services when looking for long term care for a loved one. Carrie was caring, personable and knowledgeable. She took the time to get to know us and our needs to find a good fit for my mom. She was always available to assist us and made a daunting task manageable. God bless ABC Services and Carrie for the vital service they provided in our time of need.”
“It’s been wonderful working with Carrie from Always Best Care. She took time to guide my wife and me through the process of finding an affordable solution for my elderly father and placing him in a loving care home in the area. She also guided us through the VA process. Thank you Carrie and team for the wonderful support during a challenging situation.”
“Amanda Wild ' she is Great with Me, Helps with ever I Need, Helps my companion around the house, she is a very ,kind & giving person, your lucky to have her, she should move up in your company very Quickly, thank you for her Services, Chris Keane.”
“This company is amazing. I would recommend it to everybody. If you have a loved one your helper is available, dependable, loving. You will feel so comfortable knowing your loved one is in great hands.”
“Your caregivers were superb. It’s not easy to support those at end of life and the caregivers we had met us exactly where we were every day, blended in with our family, found ways to help us by identifying exactly what we needed and just taking care of it as opposed to waiting for us to delegate tasks. This was a huge blessing to us in our grief during a time of great difficulty. My dad had terminal agitation which took time to titrate medications to get comfortable. The caregivers moved with dad with grace and expertise to help him and us until we were able to get him settled and comfortable. This takes skill….and it showed in every way. From their soft tone of voice, redirection and agreeable attitude, flowing with his confusion and helping him feel safe until he settled. Not to mention a warm hand on our shoulder when we needed it, a snack or a drink when they recognized that we may have forgotten to take of ourselves. Zac, Tristin, Britni and Gabby were all a gift to our family as well as the organization they work for. Often times, caregivers are the lowest paid employees in their organizations. Please know, these outstanding individuals at the bedside supporting families are the face and heart of the work you do. Take good care of these amazing humans. Much love to ALL you for what you do in your community and keep up the good work! ❤️”
“Carrie was phenomenal in assisting us with finding a place suitable for my mothers needs, I am thankful so much. I would recommend Carrie to anyone who could benefit from her help.”
“We had the pleasure of working with Susan. We had an urgent matter that we really didn't know how to handle or how long we needed assistance, but she was so accommodating and incredibly helpful every step of the way. She was very kind, knowledgeable, caring, and responded quickly any time we contacted her. We truly felt like she cared about us and helping us in this time of need. We are so thankful for her!”
“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory care facility and I can honestly say I don’t think could have made it through such a difficult transition without her help. She helped me get through one of the most challenging times of my life. The compassion and care she showed me and my father was incredible. Going through the process of finding a place for your parent with a memory issue is so difficult and I highly recommend working with a professional. I recommend Carrie and Always Best Care to everyone I hear is trying to navigate that process. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my father.”
“I worked with Carrie with Always Best Care to place my dad into a memory care facility and I can honestly say I don’t think could have made it through such a difficult transition without her help. She helped me get through one of the most challenging times of my life. The compassion and care she showed me and my father was incredible. Going through the process of finding a place for your parent with a memory issue is so difficult and I highly recommend working with a professional. I recommend Carrie and Always Best Care to everyone I hear is trying to navigate that process. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my father.”
“Louiscea is always dependable and on time. Goes out of her way to get cleaning problems done.”
“Lynette Devan has been our caretaker since early January 2024. She is diligent, self-motivated, and VERY competent. She loves to talk and entertain my Dad - 96 - listening patiently to his sometimes disjointed stories and fascinating him with her own! She loves to be active, always anticipating our needs with vacuuming, laundry, food prep, etc. WITHOUT being asked! We greatly value her work ethic and loving care. Always Best responded to our request with this caretaker after a bad experience with another agency's caretaker who was content to play with his phone whenever he could and only doing tasks when asked/directed to do so - and then sullenly. Jim & Ray Moitoza”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about four years now, and I’ve always been impressed with the quality and professionalism of the caregivers they have sent me. As a disabled veteran, I appreciate a company that I can count on for short term and long-term care. My current caregiver, Louiscea D. is exceptional, trustworthy and always punctual. Always Best Care gets my five stars.”
“Started working for the company a few months ago, it has been one of the best companies hand down that I have worked for since moving to the area. They honestly care about you as a human they work with your schedule and try very hard to accommodate you. I can’t say enough about Dixie she is so sweet and caring she is the meaning of test others how you would want to be. lol as long as she is there I will be as well????”
“The caregivers are wonderful, particularly Shristi. She is such a gem and she has become an important part of my life for me and my family. She is caring and considerate as well as efficient. The billing department however needs improvement.”
“Victoria Bourke is a wonderful caregiver. She’s very supportive of my mom and me. She’s flexible in her schedule and always has a smile!”
“I was frantic and knew very little about how to care for my father at his home. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care in Rocklin, CA. Carrie spoke to me about their services on the phone and I started crying. For the first time, I felt there was a path to follow to provide the best care for my dad. Then, I was apprehensive about bringing strangers into my dad's house. Well, Shonda came for the weekend shift and I knew instantly she was a great fit. She was kind and gentle with Dad, but firm when needed. She took care of his feeding and medication needs. I loved her. Then along came Gabrielle, Gabby for short. She was on the Monday-Friday shift. At first I thought she was too young for this responsibility. But, wow, she was awesome. She took care of Dad and his feeding, medicine, movement needs. And, without me having to direct her, she cleaned dishes, took out the garbage, vacuumed, while he was sleeping. They were better care givers than I could be. What a blessing these ladies were at a time when my father and I were the most vulnerable. Thank you Always Best Care for being there.”
“Tori Burke has been great. She's doing a awesome job helping my mother with all her needs. Tori has a very special personality that makes my mom feel very comfortable. Tori has made this past year so much easier. Thank you for sending Tori to us. Tori is a definite 5 star. Secret word OCEAN”
“Grateful for my health aide Shannon. She’s a great listener, always ready to hear my stories, wants and needs. Thanks for sending me off to dialysis with a smile and waiting for transport to arrive.”
“My husband has been with Always Best Care since the end of last year recommended by the VA. The office staff is friendly, they answer phone messages quickly and work with our schedule to assign a health aide. We love our current health aide Shannon Rauson, as does our dog Luna. She preps meals, does light housecleaning around my husbands hospital bed, and washes my husband to get him ready for his dialysis day. Thank you Always Best Care.”
“I recently used Always Best Care to help me find a place for elderly mother. I worked with Kathee and she set up appointments for me to visit and find a place for my mother. Kathee was knowledgeable and Professional. Every home I visited was vetted in a nice neighborhood and home with the proper staff at had. She was great to work with and I definitely would recommend Always Best Care to anyone that is in needs of their service.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Avocado Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to visit California Historical Landmark No. 331, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Rescue, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Rescue, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Rescue, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A 16-year-old teen was rescued from a 50-foot deep mine shaft in Northern California after the rope he was using to climb back out of the hole snapped, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.PLACER COUNTY, Calif. -- A 16-year-old teen was rescued from a 50-foot deep mine shaft in Northern California on Monday after the rope he was using to climb back out of the hole snapped, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.The teen was saved after attempting to explore a min...
A 16-year-old teen was rescued from a 50-foot deep mine shaft in Northern California after the rope he was using to climb back out of the hole snapped, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
PLACER COUNTY, Calif. -- A 16-year-old teen was rescued from a 50-foot deep mine shaft in Northern California on Monday after the rope he was using to climb back out of the hole snapped, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The teen was saved after attempting to explore a mine shaft located in the Auburn State Recreation Area near China Bar, officials said.
At approximately 3:27 p.m. on Monday, Placer County Fire Department and Auburn City Fire Department were dispatched to a medical rescue for a "16-year-old male stuck in a vertical mine shaft approximately 50 feet deep," according to a press release.
The teenager and his friends traveled about 180 feet into the mine shaft and the side of the mountain to explore and rappelled 40 to 50 feet down using a household rope, Cal Fire said.
Upon their ascent back, the rope broke, and the victim fell about 30 feet back to the bottom of the shaft. He attempted to free climb his way back up, but "ultimately lost strength and positioned himself in a precarious ledge awaiting rescuers," officials said.
Once crews arrived on the scene, the teen's friends led rescuers to the victim. The Placer County Technical Rescue Team was able to successfully save the teen using a "lightweight, complex rope system and established air monitoring," Cal Fire said.
The victim was immediately taken to a local trauma center for treatment.
Cal Fire applauded the Placer County rescue team as they were able to "facilitate this technical rescue in a very confined and austere environment 180 feet inside of the mountain."
"The incident highlights the unique natural hazards ever present within our beautiful and rugged landscape in Placer County," Cal Fire said. "Our commitment to public safety in these diverse scenarios using highly trained special operations team is paramount in our service to the public."
The name of the rescued teenager has not yet been released.
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Like millions of people worldwide, I have been shocked to my core by the harrowing sight of the wildfires ravaging Southern California over the last week. The devastation is staggering, the losses are terrible to imagine, and the emotional impact of this catastrophe on its victims is difficult to contemplate. My heart is broken by it all.Members of our Animal Rescue Team are in close communication with the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), and with the state’s Office of Emergency Management and the Los Angeles ...
Like millions of people worldwide, I have been shocked to my core by the harrowing sight of the wildfires ravaging Southern California over the last week. The devastation is staggering, the losses are terrible to imagine, and the emotional impact of this catastrophe on its victims is difficult to contemplate. My heart is broken by it all.
Members of our Animal Rescue Team are in close communication with the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), and with the state’s Office of Emergency Management and the Los Angeles County Emergency Management Department, participating in daily coordination calls focused on animal-related response. Even in disasters of this magnitude, local jurisdictions are the first to respond, and we understand and support that approach. Our teams can deploy when requested to do so, and these agencies typically prioritize local resources before activating national support.
Staff members of our Pets for Life program in Los Angeles, which works to provide pet care resources to communities in need all year round, have been helping to transport pets with urgent veterinary care needs for those who cannot transport them on their own due to smoke, ash, downed power lines and other factors.
Recognizing the need for a full-time animal focused disaster position in California, we previously made a substantial multi-year grant to CalAnimals. This dedicated position coordinates disaster response between animal welfare and state agencies and streamlines the task of getting animals the urgent help they need when they need it. In the current crisis, this extra capacity has made it possible for CalAnimals to work closely with animal agencies around the state to move animals out of Los Angeles to ensure their safety.
The immediate focus of emergency managers has been on human life and public safety, but the needs of animals, both domestic and wild, are also evident. We have strongly advised all residents in affected areas to evacuate with their pets, and to take advantage of the pet-friendly shelter options available to them.
We expect that response agencies and private organizations will require additional resources and support in the near term, and we are determined to meet such demands for assistance. The courage and strength of the many California-based groups working on the ground is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Should our Animal Rescue Team be requested to deploy, we’ll move quickly to provide on-the-ground support and additional resources to aid the relief and recovery effort.
Our history in the state includes both practical animal welfare and public policy work. When the fires subside, and the full-scale recovery and reconstruction effort begins, we will commit both additional resources and personnel to the restoration of California’s unmatched animal care and services capacity. This has been the pattern of our disaster response work for decades: We offer and provide direct assistance through deployments; we make grants to organizations in the zone of damage; and with others, we commit to building a better and brighter future for animals and the people who care about them.
So many California-based organizations are collaborating to help right now, doing incredible work. You can also support our long-term response efforts through our Emergency Animal Relief Fund. This fund supports all our preparedness, rescue and relief efforts for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, animal fighting cases, large-scale cruelty situations and puppy mills. Through the years, the generous contributions of supporters to the Emergency Animal Relief Fund have enabled us to bring tens of thousands of animals to safety and helped us to assist countless communities and local organizations in disaster relief efforts. The fund allows us to provide support when and where it’s most needed.
I’ve said it again and again: The well-being of animals is so often inextricable from the well-being of people. And in the wake of the devastation in Los Angeles, it is as important as ever to show solidarity around animals and those who care for them.
We are supporting the communities and animals of Los Angeles today and will continue to do so in the future.
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Kitty Block is President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States and CEO of Humane Society International, the international affiliate of the HSUS
Ryan Kellman/NPR From cats and birds to tortoises and horses, a network of rescue groups is caring for animals affected by wildfires still burning throughout the Los Angeles area. But all these pet evacuees need space. To make room at kennels, a multi-state operation is under way to transport adoptable pets to other states. Animal rescue groups are moving hundreds of dogs and cats out of fire-devastated Southern California to relieve the local animal shelters overwhelmed by temporarily housing the pets of evacuees...
Ryan Kellman/NPR
From cats and birds to tortoises and horses, a network of rescue groups is caring for animals affected by wildfires still burning throughout the Los Angeles area. But all these pet evacuees need space. To make room at kennels, a multi-state operation is under way to transport adoptable pets to other states. Animal rescue groups are moving hundreds of dogs and cats out of fire-devastated Southern California to relieve the local animal shelters overwhelmed by temporarily housing the pets of evacuees.
"Over the past three days we have done ground transports and a flight to Utah," said Brittany Thorn, who heads the non-profit animal rescue Best Friends Animal Society. She estimates they transported more than 250 animals to other states this week. The animals come in from Pasadena Humane, which has been a central shelter for hundreds of pets affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena. Then they get a medical check at Best Friends in West LA, before their journey to a destination to be adopted.
"It is definitely a big process. There are a lot of people that are involved in this. And what we've been seeing are people from all over the country reaching out and they want to help. There are organizations in Nevada, in Utah, in all of these places who are saying we can take animals. We just need to be able to get them there," Thorn said.
Californians available to foster cats and dogs have also stepped up to alleviate capacity at shelters. So many have offered to foster that some foster programs have been put on hold because they were able to place needy pets. And the donations of animal supplies to support foster pets have come in at a steady clip to animal shelters across the area. At Best Friends, dozens of volunteers worked through the weekend to unpack and sort cat litter, dog food, toys, treats and other pet necessities that strangers have sent in from across the country.
"We have had so many people reach out and they want to help. We have people just showing up at the door. They want to do anything that they can," Thorn said.
Resources to help stay safe:?? With fire danger still high, authorities implore you to follow evacuation orders?? What to do — and not do — when you get home after a fire evacuation?? Is smoke in your home? Here's how to make an air purifier from a box fan??Trying to stay safe in a wildfire? There's an app that can help
Ways to support the response and recovery:?? Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say does the most good and places seeking volunteers?? Wildfire donations and volunteering: How and where to help?? Share: These are the steps fire victims need to take to make an insurance claim
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Animal rescuers have helped save pets affected by devastating wildfires in Southern California by flying more than 80 ...
Animal rescuers have helped save pets affected by devastating wildfires in Southern California by flying more than 80 cats and dogs to a no-kill shelter in Utah.
The flight carried 26 dogs and 58 cats to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The pets had been housed in the overwhelmed Los Angeles County Animal Shelter.
The rescue effort − a partnership between the Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue − aimed to clear some space at packed shelters to make room for pets that will hopefully reunited with their owners.
A second trip flew 70 more pets from the Hollywood Burbank Airport to Seattle on Sunday and transported six to Oregon, a Wings of Rescue spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.
Both missions were funded by the nonprofit Cencora Impact Foundation, according to Best Friends.
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"In the rush to evacuate a disaster such as the Palisades and Eaton fires, often pets can be escape or become separated from their owners," the Best Friends Animal Society said in a statement. "It then becomes the work of first responders and shelter workers to find and secure these lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners."
To combat overcrowding in shelters, dozens of animals have been transported to other California shelters including the San Diego Humane Society and Sacramento SPCA.
"We were devastated to see what was happening in the Greater Los Angeles area and how many people and animals were affected," San Diego Humane Society spokesperson Jordan Frey told USA TODAY on Friday. "As soon as we heard that Pasadena Humane Society needed support, we wanted to see how we could help."
Frey said the shelter decided to take more dogs despite already being at 125% capacity.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and Los Angeles Animal Services have both urged the public to foster an animal if they can. The Pasadena Humane shelter continues to provide emergency medical care to lost pets and orphaned wildlife, with many suffering from smoke inhalation.
On Sunday, the shelter shared an image of an injured black cat named Lil Man, whose whiskers had been burned off and was unable to walk due to burned paws. Last week the shelter shared a photo of a white dog named Roxy completely coated in ash after being found in a collapsed home.
Distressed pet owners are using recently created Facebook groups and other platforms like PetReconnect to reunite with their beloved animals. While many are still holding out hope for a reunion, some lucky owners managed to find their beloved animals.
Los Angeles resident Casey Colvin was separated from his dog Oreo on Jan. 7 when the Palisades Fire destroyed his home while he was away.
Colvin spent five long nights away from Oreo before their emotional reunion on Sunday, which was shared on X by NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz.
"Oh honey, you're alive, you're alive!" Colvin yells as he holds his dog back in his arms. "Oh, thank you, God!"
Other pet owners and their animals have been reunited but it's unclear how many.
Here are some of the organizations supporting animals during the ongoing Southern California wildfires.
Contributing: Saman Shafiq and James Powel
This story was updated to add new information.
If you'd like to support the ASPCA during this time, please consider making a lifesaving donation at www.aspca.org/lawildfireJanuary 28, 2025UPDATE: In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and our ongoi...
If you'd like to support the ASPCA during this time, please consider making a lifesaving donation at www.aspca.org/lawildfire
January 28, 2025
UPDATE: In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and our ongoing assistance in impacted areas, ASPCA ambassadors Nathan Lane, Eric McCormack, Dr. Evan Antin, Juan Pablo Espinosa, Maxwell Jenkins, Alexandra Shipp, and Bobby Newberry volunteered at Pasadena Humane to help care for shelter animals and displaced pets last week on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24.
Top Image (from left to right): Pasadena Humane staff alongside Juan Pablo Espinosa, Nathan Lane, Eric McCormack and Dr. Evan Antin.Bottom Image (from left to right): Maxwell Jenkins, Pasadena Humane staff, Alexandra Shipp and Bobby Newberry.
These ambassadors worked alongside Pasadena Humane staff and members of the ASPCA disaster response team, helping with animal socialization and enrichment. They also met pets who have been separated from their owners, including dogs, cats, a tortoise and a bearded dragon, among others, and promoted these pets on their social media channels in an effort to reunite them with their families.
Actor Alexandra Shipp helps with daily enrichment and care at Pasadena Humane.
Television personality and exotic animal veterinarian, Dr. Evan Antin, poses with a rescued tortoise.
Actor Maxwell Jenkins helps with daily care, holding a rescued cat at Pasadena Humane.
Since the outbreak of the Eaton Fire on January 7, Pasadena Humane has been at the forefront of rescuing and caring for animals affected by the disaster. The organization has taken in over 900 displaced and stray animals, with some suffering from severe burns and requiring emergency medical attention. Their efforts have led to the reunion of over 1,000 pets with their families, both at the shelter and in the field. The shelter has accommodated a diverse array of animals and they continue to provide essential care and support to animals and their owners during this challenging time.
Actor Nathan Lane gives treats and enrichment to rescued animals.
Actor and longtime ASPCA supporter, Eric McCormack, poses with a rescued pup.
Our disaster response team remains on the ground in Southern California, continuing our efforts to provide subject matter expertise, operational assistance, supply distribution and critical support for impacted communities.
January 23, 2025
UPDATE: We are grateful to Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) for their recent donation of $100,000 to the ASPCA California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund to provide critical funding to animal welfare organizations responding to the devastating wildfires. IPH understands the deep bond between pets and their families, and we recognize their commitment to safeguarding pets and ensuring their well-being during times of crisis.
The ASPCA’s $5 million California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund will provide animal welfare organizations in the area critical resources to continue protecting and supporting animals in their communities and address longer-term impacts on their organizations, as well as help develop resources and infrastructures to protect from future disasters. Applications may be submitted now through February 17, for disaster response funding and through June 30 for capacity-building funding. For more information about the eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit ASPCApro.org/wildfiregrants.
January 17, 2025
UPDATE: Our field response team in Southern California continues to support Pasadena Humane and LA County with field operations and disaster management guidance. We are also working to support pet supply distribution and other critical efforts including reuniting people with displaced pets.
For resources regarding lost/found pets in the affected areas, please use and share this flyer.
January 15, 2025
UPDATE: As our response in Southern California is ongoing, our field responders are working on dozens of service requests daily, including reuniting several cats and chickens with their owners, helping with the removal of animals (including one gecko), providing food and supplies to those in need, and setting up feeding stations for community cats in varied locations.
We will provide additional updates from the field as this critical work continues this week.
January 14, 2025
UPDATE: As disaster response continues to the devastating wildfires burning across Southern California, we have announced a $5 million California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund to provide critical funding to animal welfare organizations responding to animal needs due to the wildfires. Funding is also available to prepare for and build capacity to defend against future fires and other disasters.
“These wildfires are devastating to people and animals, and we are collaborating with our partners in California to provide protections for the health and safety of owned and shelter animals, but the wreckage is vast and the rebuild will require tremendous resources and effort,” said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA National Field Response. “Our $5 million relief fund will provide animal welfare organizations in the area critical resources to continue protecting and supporting animals in their communities and address longer-term impacts on their organizations, as well as help develop resources and infrastructures to protect from future disasters.”
The funds can be applied to:
Applications may be submitted now through February 17, for disaster response funding and through June 30 for capacity-building funding. For more information about the eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit ASPCApro.org/wildfiregrants.
The ASPCA’s California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund will also provide funding for disaster recovery costs for shelters with direct fire damage and, as needs become more apparent, longer-term operating support for key organizations in severely impacted communities that experience significant fundraising shortfalls and/or declines in adoptions.
In addition to the grant funding, our disaster response team is currently still on the ground, at the request of Pasadena Humane, providing animal search and rescue, subject matter expertise, operational assistance and critical support for impacted communities. The ASPCA’s Los Angeles-based Community Medicine team is providing veterinary support to help local shelters prepare animals for adoption, foster, and relocation by assisting with vaccinations, health certifications and spay/neuter. We are also arranging for the safe transport of homeless animals in Los Angeles to partner shelters out of the disaster zone to make room for other animals in need.
During this time, we are continuing to collaborate with animal welfare organizations and emergency management agencies across the impacted areas to determine where it can support the most critical needs.
January 10, 2025
In response to the devastating wildfires burning across Southern California, the ASPCA Disaster Response team is currently on the ground, at the request of Pasadena Humane, to provide subject matter expertise and critical support for impacted communities. In addition, we are ensuring the safety of our own staff based in Southern California, including those who oversee the ASPCA Kitten Foster Program in Los Angeles. Earlier this week, more than 30 cats and kittens in the care of the ASPCA near the disaster zone were relocated as a precautionary measure and are now safely in foster care in currently unaffected areas.
"Wildfires are incredibly destructive, and the current series of unprecedented fires burning throughout Los Angeles are no exception, severely impacting people and their pets," said Susan Anderson, director of ASPCA Disaster Response. "The ASPCA is dedicated to collaborating closely with our partners in California, including organizations directly affected by the fires and agencies outside the disaster zone supporting our relief efforts, to safeguard the health and safety of displaced pets and shelter animals."
We are continuing to communicate with animal welfare organizations and emergency management agencies across the impacted areas to assess where we can continue to best support the most critical needs. We are grateful to our partners outside of the disaster zone, including the San Diego Department of Animal Services and the San Diego Humane Society, for their assistance with these urgent response efforts.
While our response in California continues, you can find lifesaving tips for pet owners who may be preparing to potentially evacuate from their homes at aspca.org/disasterprep. For those in need of immediate assistance with an animal, please contact the local agency within your community that handles animal disaster response, which may be your emergency management agency, law enforcement, animal services or local animal shelter.
For those interested in supporting animal response efforts, consider donating to or volunteering with one of the many local animal welfare organizations in Southern California – including Pasadena Humane – that are working tirelessly to keep California’s animals and pet owners safe. Some animal welfare organizations outside of the disaster zone, such as San Diego Humane Society, are also taking in displaced homeless animals and may be looking for adopters and foster caregivers. You can directly support the ASPCA’s lifesaving efforts by visiting aspca.org/lawildfire.
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