Pasadena Humane: Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

Thanks to the generous support of the Petfinder Foundation’s 2025 Disaster Grant, Pasadena Humane responded quickly and compassionately to the devastating Eaton Fire, which displaced thousands of residents and left many animals in urgent need of care across our community.

As the designated animal evacuation center for all areas affected by the fire, Pasadena Humane served as a lifeline for pets. With your help, we provided emergency medical treatment—including care for burns, dehydration, and smoke inhalation—to dozens of injured animals. The funds also supported temporary boarding, supplies, and staff overtime to help manage the sudden influx of displaced pets.

Beyond the emergency sheltering of pets, we deployed humane traps and feeding stations for our beloved community cats in the burn zone, ensuring these vulnerable community animals were not forgotten.

In the weeks that followed the fire, our Helping Paws Food Bank and Resource Center became a critical part of recovery for pet-owning families. Many who lost homes or income due to the disaster relied on our distribution of free pet food, leashes, crates, and other essential supplies. By helping people care for their pets during this crisis, we were able to preserve the human-animal bond and reduce surrenders during a time of immense stress.

One memorable outcome of this work was Spirit, a black cat who came to us with severe burns and singed whiskers, barely able to walk. After over a month of ICU treatment, Spirit made a full recovery and was joyfully adopted into a loving home—becoming a symbol of hope and healing for our entire community.

Thanks to the Petfinder Foundation, we could provide emergency relief, long-term recovery support, and compassionate care when it mattered most. Your partnership helped us meet the moment—and we are deeply grateful.

How many pets did this grant help?

20

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Through the ashes, Spirit found a home! When Spirit arrived at Pasadena Humane, he was barely clinging to life. Rescued in the aftermath of the Eaton wildfire, this brave black cat was found in Altadena with burns covering his body and whiskers singed completely off. The burns on his paws were so severe he could hardly walk.

Our veterinary team immediately sprang into action—treating his wounds, administering oxygen, fluids, and pain medication, and carefully bandaging his paws. Spirit spent over a month in our ICU, fighting to heal. Slowly, as his pain eased, his gentle personality began to shine. He loved head scratches, rolled onto his back when content, and won the hearts of everyone who cared for him.

Yesterday, we witnessed the most joyful moment: Spirit was adopted. After everything he endured, Spirit found his forever home—where he’ll be cherished and loved, just as he deserves.

His story reminds us of animals’ resilience and the power of compassion. We’re so grateful to Spirit’s new mom and every supporter who made his recovery possible.