Local Animal Shelters Aiding Pet Owners During Wildfire

DULUTH, Minn. — As wildfires across the Northland continue to grow, Animals Allies Humane Society in Duluth has been working directly with St. Louis County to assist in any needs that pet owners may have.

“We’ve gotten a few calls. We’ve been able to direct quite a few people so far, which is really good, and a lot of people have been able to find a spot where they can either keep their animals, and were able to just pick up some resources for us,” Nicole Facciotto, Animal Allies Humane Society Adoption Manger said.

It is often difficult to find pet placement after evacuation. But shelters and boarding facilities in the Northland have been helping take in pets.

“When people call we kind of triage based on what type of animal they have, and can kind of direct them to folks from there. So it’s been pretty seamless thus far. And again, we’re hoping we’re kind of reaching the end of the crises, but we are ready, just in case and hope people stay prepared as well,” Facciotto said.

As Animal Allies has limited space, they have been connecting pet owners to local volunteers that are able to help.

“So it was really cool that we had some members of the public and some of our other trained volunteers step up and say that they would be willing to house some animals if need be, if we ran out of kennel space here,” Facciotto said.

Animal Allies says it’s important to be prepared in case of evacuation, this includes making an emergency bag for your pet.

“If you have any inkling that you might have to evacuate, being prepared early. So getting an emergency bag set that’s going to have, you know, food, medicine, up to date information, vet records, things like that. So if you do quickly need to leave, you kind of are going to have everything you need in case your animal ends up somewhere where people maybe aren’t as familiar with them and their needs,” Facciotto said.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Fredenburg Community Center for anyone needing a place to go. Authorities continue to urge residents to stay alert and follow all evacuation orders.