Orange County Animal Care partners with ASCPA to relocate more than 100 shelter dogs after Tustin hangar inferno

Tustin, Calif.–Responding to the state of emergency from the North Hangar Fire in Tustin, Calif., the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is partnering with Orange County Animal Care (OCAC) to fly more than 100 shelter dogs to the ASPCA’s recovery center in Columbus, Ohio.

OCAC is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County and services 14 cities taking in over 14,500 animals each year. The OCAC shelter facility, located at 1630 Victory Rd. in Tustin, is immediately adjacent to the site of the massive Tustin fire.

Ongoing flare-ups, high winds, and the announced destruction of the remains of the historic hanger structure, which is in close proximity to the OCAC shelter, have prevented staff from safely bringing the dogs in their care outside for walks, exercise, and playtime. To deal with the situation and ensure the dogs receive the care they need, they are being flown to a facility operated by the ASPCA that is dedicated to the recovery of vulnerable animals, including those displaced by emergency situations.

After arriving in Columbus, the dogs will then be placed with ASCPA partner shelters and made available for adoption. The ASPCA is continuing to work with OCAC to assist with additional needs during this difficult time, including supporting their kitten nursery by transporting kittens that require specialized care out of the shelter and working with OCAC to develop a comprehensive disaster plan for future emergencies.

Since the start of the inferno, OCAC has responded quickly to measures in place to ensure the continued safety of all animals, visitors, and staff. Actions include efforts to partner with national, state, and local agencies to relocate animals out of the shelter through transport programs and pleas to the community to place dogs into foster homes.

“Our team at OC Animal Care has been at modified operations since November 7, when the North Hangar initially caught fire, which includes limiting dogs to the inside portion of their kennels,” said Monica Schmidt, Interim Director. “This partnership with the ASPCA, including their commitment to providing vital resources, is affording over 100 dogs the opportunity to relocate from our shelter as modified operations continue with no definite end date. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the ASPCA, who like us and our community, care deeply for the dogs in Orange County.”

“The ASPCA is uniquely positioned to support shelter partners across the country during emergency situations by quickly mobilizing and providing critical resources and services that alleviate strain on local animal welfare organizations and keep vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” said Karen Walsh, senior director of ASPCA Animal Relocation. “We are grateful to Orange County Animal Care for their ongoing efforts to prioritize the wellbeing of the animals in their care and are proud to collaborate with them to move these animals to safety and provide them with a second chance at finding loving homes.”

Beyond providing boots-on-the-ground assistance in responding to disasters and emergencies, the ASPCA works closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance their animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities. The ASPCA also works with lawmakers to increase access to co-sheltering opportunities to keep people and pets together when they are displaced by natural or manmade disasters.