"We've created makeshift kennels," said Lisa Saneda, El Cajon Animal Shelter volunteer. "We're adding as we go."



El Cajon is one of many animal and emergency shelters that are addressing the needs of people with pets as wildfires sweep through areas of southern California. The Rock Church in San Diego, which has opened it's doors as a shelter, is responding to the needs of pet lovers as well.

"We're trying to be as pet friendly as we can," said Trish Teves, public relations coordinator for the church. "We have an outside area with Astroturf so we're allowing them to run around out there."

Teves stresses that they have room for more, both people and pets. Yesterday, the church even had a veterinarian on site.

Images of dogs stranded on rooftops during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 have created a greater awareness of the fate of pets during states of emergency. It was in August of 2006 that Senate unanimously approved a substitute to the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act. The bills would require local and state disaster plans to include provisions for companion animals and service animals in the event of a disaster.

A pet foster care program is even in place whereas shelters without the supplies or facilities can establish temporary homes for animals.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is advising those with pets to be prepared and to never leave a pet behind to fend for themselves.According to PETA, pet owners should know their destination ahead of time. Not all shelters accept pets but often area hotels, motels and animal shelters do. It is suggested that you call your destination in advance to get all the details.

PETA also advises that you put ID tags on your pets in the case that you're separated. El Cajon Animal Shelter has seen this preparation among residents with animals. "A lot of people knew that we were available," Saneda said.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also emphasizes planning. "Be prepared. Practice makes perfect," said Terri Crisp, SPCA's animal resource and rescue consultant. "With a little planning and foresight, a lot of confusion can be eliminated and all family members can safely be removed from harm's way."

Support for our four-legged friends in this time of emergency has been positive. El Cajon may actually stop accepting supply donations.

"We're actually overflowing with food," Saneda said of the multitude of people willing to help.

The overabundance of donations to El Cajon is being diverted to other shelters in greater need.

Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers, is accepting evacuees with small pets. It is advised that small animals are placed in carriers or at least on a leash. Red Cross evacuation locations, such as Qualcomm, are providing donated pet supplies and even carriers to those without them.

Those with larger animals, such as horses and livestock, have been offered a variety of options to protect and house their animals. Although Qualcomm is only accepting small pets, other locations, such as El Camino High School and Granite Hills High School, have opened their facilities to horses and livestock.

Many businesses, such as the Westfield Mall and the Fletcher Parkway Home Depot, have opened their parking lots to those with large animals, also allowing space for RV's and campers.

The outlook is optimistic for San Diego's pets that have been displaced by the fires. El Cajon Animal Shelter is determined to see things through, allowing pets to be boarded there for an indefinite period of time.

On how long pets will be allowed to stay Saneda said, "As long as it takes. We know people whose homes have burned down so till they get back on their feet."