When the devastating Los Angeles wildfires began forcing families to evacuate, veterinarian Annie Harvilicz first took in her own brother’s rabbit and cat as they fled the Palisades fire. But then she realized something heartbreaking: countless other pets would need shelter too, and many evacuation centers and hotels couldn’t accommodate multiple animals per family. Without hesitation, she posted on Facebook inviting anyone who needed help to bring their pets to her veterinary hospitals.
The response was immediate and overwhelming, with around 20 dogs, 20 cats, and one rabbit soon in her care, plus many more expected to arrive. Harvilicz didn’t stop there—she even brought some animals to her own home and made sure she had plenty of food and bedding ready. Her generous offer solved a desperate problem for families who might have been able to take one pet to a hotel but couldn’t manage two or three. The outpouring of volunteer support from the community has been just as heartwarming as her original gesture.
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