Animal shelters set up temporarily for evacuees of Park Fire – Chico Enterprise-Record

The North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG) small animal shelter in Oroville was a hive of activity on Thursday as volunteers worked tirelessly to assist Park Fire evacuees in getting their beloved pets checked into the facility. The shelter opened its doors to both small and large animals on Wednesday evening, and by Thursday afternoon, they had already checked in a significant number of animals.

Amy Anderson, a Cohasset resident who had to evacuate with her family and multiple cats, expressed her gratitude for the prompt and professional assistance provided by the volunteers. She mentioned that the check-in process, although it takes some time, was worth it for the safety and well-being of her pets. The shelter staff were praised for their patience and dedication to ensuring the animals were well taken care of.

The small animal shelter had checked in 26 animals by Thursday afternoon, while the large animal shelter had accommodated 34 animals. Despite the growing numbers, the shelters had the capacity to take in more animals if needed. Nikolay Ostrovsky, a Butte County Public Health senior program manager, reassured pet owners that they could expand both shelters to accommodate additional animals if required.

The shelters are operated and managed by trained NVADG volunteers who work in rotating shifts to ensure round-the-clock care for the animals. On Thursday, there were 13 volunteers at the small animal shelter and five at the large animal shelter, with an additional 15 volunteers on standby to assist with animal evacuation teams if necessary. These volunteers are well-trained in handling animals, providing first aid, and ensuring the well-being of stressed animals during short-term disaster sheltering.

Both shelters are conveniently located in Oroville, with the small animal shelter situated at 2279 Del Oro Ave. and the large animal shelter at Camelot Equestrian Center on Clark Road. The shelters operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. for animal intake, providing a safe haven for pets during times of crisis.

For pet owners seeking information or assistance, NVADG has set up an information hotline that is staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The hotline number is 530-895-0000, and additional information can be found on the NVADG website at https://www.nvadg.org. NVADG, in collaboration with Butte County Animal Control, is dedicated to providing emergency shelters for both small and large animals, ensuring that pets are well-cared for during disasters.

In conclusion, the efforts of NVADG and its dedicated volunteers in providing shelter and care for animals during emergencies are commendable. The organization’s commitment to training and preparedness ensures that pets are not forgotten during times of crisis, offering peace of mind to pet owners facing evacuation. The community’s support and the tireless work of volunteers make a significant difference in safeguarding the well-being of beloved pets in times of need.