The OC Animal Care shelter is asking for volunteers to take in foster dogs for at least two weeks due to the fire at the historic blimp hangar across the street from the Tustin facility.
The shelter currently has more than 300 dogs, according to a news release. A spokesperson for the county said they hope to have as many dogs as possible be taken into foster homes, but especially medium to big dogs.
Since the fire began on Nov. 7, the shelter has moved dogs to the indoor portion of its kennels and the animals haven’t been going outside for walks or to play, officials said.
The shelter is located across the street from the burning blimp hangar at the shuttered Tustin Marine Corps Air Station, which is set to be demolished in the coming days. The shelter has canceled outdoor activities and moved adoption visits indoors.
OC Animal Care will provide people who take in a foster dog with food and supplies, including a leash, collar and dog tags.
Community members are asked to contact OCACPrograms@occr.ocgov.com if they want to become an emergency dog foster.
OC Animal Care is also asking people to consider alternates to surrendering animals as the shelter “continues to be severely impacted by the fire,” such as reaching out to the shelter about low-cost pet clinics and local pet food banks that might help people keep their animal.
The shelter is also requesting for people to donate Kong toys to keep the dogs occupied while indoors. Donations are accepted in person during regular business hours or through the shelter’s Amazon wishlist.
