In the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire, Dr. Annie Harvilicz, a compassionate veterinarian in Los Angeles, has stepped up to rescue and care for animals displaced by the disaster. Opening both her home and a vacant pet hospital, Dr. Harvilicz has provided refuge to over 40 animals, including dogs, cats, and even a rabbit named Oreo. Many pet owners, unable to keep their animals in temporary accommodations, have turned to her for help.
Dr. Harvilicz, who operates two animal hospitals in the Los Angeles area, began housing displaced pets at the Animal Wellness Center in Marina del Rey soon after the fire broke out. She has also taken in four animals at her home near Los Angeles International Airport. As the fire fueled by strong Santa Ana winds led to mass evacuations and ash-filled skies, Harvilicz remained unwavering in her commitment to help.
“I haven’t slept at all, and my eyes are burning from the smoke,” she shared. “But I love animals, and I want to take care of them.” Among the pets in her care are Pumpkin, a cat, and Daisy, a Pit Bull. While she’s managed to rescue many smaller animals, saving larger animals has proven more difficult.
“One woman needed help with her nine donkeys but didn’t have trailers,” Harvilicz said. “They had to release them, and it’s unlikely they survived.” She noted the fires have been especially catastrophic for large animals, highlighting a significant gap in rescue resources.
Dr. Harvilicz’s efforts began when her brother called her for help housing his pets during his evacuation. Realizing others were in the same predicament, she quickly extended her offer to the wider community. Through her non-profit, the Animal Wellness Foundation, she has coordinated rescue efforts and recruited volunteers to care for the influx of animals.
Many pet owners fleeing the fires face difficulties finding accommodations that allow multiple animals. Dr. Harvilicz has urged them to seek help. “If your pet needs care, reach out to a vet—even if you think you can’t afford it,” she said. “There are vets like me willing to help.”
She also took to Facebook, pleading with residents to evacuate with their pets. “You won’t be able to go back to retrieve them,” she warned, emphasizing that more hotels and rentals are now accommodating pets.
Dr. Harvilicz’s selfless dedication during this crisis has not only saved dozens of animals but also brought hope to pet owners facing immense uncertainty. Her heroism reminds us all of the power of compassion in times of chaos.
Thank you, Dr. Harvilicz. The world needs more heroes like you!
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