San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Animal Services responded to a mutual aid request during the Airport Fire, which is now 95 percent contained. The department assisted in evacuating animals and working at a shelter in Riverside County where families with pets had been relocated.

“We are deeply committed to supporting both animals and the people who love them during challenging times. By coming together as a community, we ensure that no one faces these crises alone. Just as we are here to help when others are in need, we know they would extend the same care and support to us in our time of need,” said County Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice.

The department deployed animal control officers and animal care attendants. Two officers helped evacuate and transport animals from affected areas, allowing their owners to focus on their own safety.

Animal attendants Manny Salazar and Portia Peters were stationed at a Red Cross Shelter at Temescal Canyon High School, providing care for displaced pets and their distressed families.

Salazar, who has worked for the County for 15 years, reported to the Lake Elsinore shelter on September 12. He lived and worked there for three days, assisting people with pet care and trying to keep animals calm and safe.

“The (evacuated residents) looked tired, worried and devastated. The last thing they wanted to do was to worry about their pets,” Salazar said. “I wanted to do anything to help.”

He worked the graveyard shift, walking dogs, feeding them, and letting them socialize when possible.

“I was dealing with scared dogs. They would eventually go to sleep, but the cats were the most upset,” he said. “At one point, the cats were keeping the dogs up at night crying. I’m a huge cat person so I felt so bad for the cats.”

Salazar moved their crates into his tent: “I positioned them so they could see me and put on an audiobook for them. I would keep my fingers in their crate and let them rub their cheeks on me as a way to soothe them.”

He started with 15 dogs and cats; by Monday when Salazar was released from his duties, only eight remained as preparations were made to close the shelter soon.

Wildfires pose a year-round threat in San Diego County. For information on pet emergency preparedness, visit County Animal Services' website. The department prioritizes protecting the health, safety, and welfare of both people and animals.