Update on Sept. 10: An evacuation site at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds was closed on Thursday but large animals could still be sheltered at the Bonita location at 5821 Sweetwater Road.
Anyone wishing to reclaim evacuated pets from the Bonita shelter should call (619) 767-2375 first to make an appointment. The staff will be able to have animals ready that way.
More than 1,000 residents were forced out of their homes in the East County as the Valley Fire has ravaged through the Japatul Valley area since Saturday. As a result of the blaze, the county has opened an evacuation site for horses.
The San Diego County Department of Animal Services announced Tuesday that evacuees are welcome to drop off their horses at the rodeo grounds located at 12584 Mapleview St. in Lakeside. There, the San Diego Humane Society’s qualified volunteers will look after the equines on site.
Although the Lakeside address is only accepting horses, other large animals are being taken in at the Iron Oak Canyon Ranch in Spring Valley. However, the county warns that the site is nearing capacity.
Smaller animals can be taken to the County Animal Services South Shelter in Bonita.
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Because of the coronavirus pandemic, animal owners are unable to stay at shelters housing their pets and livestock, according to the county. All animal shelters are drop-off only at this time.
As more animals are taken to evacuation sites, the San Diego Humane Society asks the public to help them accommodate the animals with donations. At this time, the organization is seeking donations of large plastic water buckets, alfalfa, grass hay, chicken feed, pig feed, wheelbarrows and pitchforks.
Generous locals can donate goods at the Iron Oak Canyon Ranch. Monetary donations can be made online here.
The San Diego Humane Society’s emergency response team is available to help residents evacuate their animals. To contact them for assistance, call (619) 236-2341.
For more information on resources the San Diego Humane Society is offering due to the Valley Fire, click here.
To keep up with the latest information on the Valley Fire, click here.
