As the California wildfires sweep through Los Angeles, countless animals have been displaced, requiring urgent care and shelter. Among the most vulnerable are rabbits, many of which are rescued from fire zones and brought to overcrowded shelters. Fostering offers a crucial solution, providing these animals with safe, loving homes while shelters work to manage the surge.
Senior and La Vista editor, Kelsey McAvin, has recently joined the effort. Fostering two rabbits from the Mar Vista Bunny World Foundation, she is excited to help the animals in need and feels that fostering rabbits is a rewarding way to contribute.
“I’ve wanted bunnies my whole life,” said McAvin. “So my mom and I thought it would be a good idea to help save some bunnies rescued in the LA fires.”
Organizations like the Bunny World Foundation and the Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation in Playa del Rey are on the front lines of this crisis, rescuing animals and advocating for their safety. Michelle Kelly, director of the LA Rabbit Foundation, stresses the importance of protecting pets during the fires.
“Keeping doors and windows shut improves air quality,” said Kelly. “[It] is critical for animals with sensitive respiratory systems like rabbits.”
Kelly’s organization is actively seeking foster homes to move rabbits out of shelters and into more secure environments. She highlights the importance of maintaining a safe, healthy space for pets during this challenging time. In her experience, fostering makes a significant difference, not only for the rabbits but also for the larger rescue effort.
“Even fostering one rabbit makes a huge impact—it not only provides them with a safe area but also creates space in shelters for other rescues,” Kelly said.
Many people who have fostered rabbits themselves attest to the life-changing impact of opening your home to animals in need. According to many animal hosts, like freshman Katelyn McGinley, the experience not only provides a safe space for the rabbits but also offers a unique opportunity to connect with and care for these gentle creatures, when so many others didn’t make it.
“I know people who lost their pets in the fire,” said McGinley. “Being able to save and take care of the rabbits means a lot to me.”
With the ongoing wildfires displacing families and pets alike, fostering is a compassionate way to contribute and help ensure that no rabbit is left behind.
If you’re interested in fostering, both the Bunny World Foundation and the LA Rabbit Foundation offer support and guidance to ensure a smooth process. By stepping up during this critical time, you can save lives and make a meaningful difference for animals affected by the fires.
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