LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The SPCA of Lake County has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lake County Animal Care and Control to assist Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection with temporary animal boarding. 

Through this agreement, SPCA will be housing lost or displaced animals during times of disaster on a temporary basis at our facility in Kelseyville. 

The agreement already has been put to use.

On Aug. 13, not long after the agreement was signed, the Clayton fire broke out and Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection, or LEAP, was activated to assist the animals in harm's way.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for segments of Lower Lake and the Avenues in the city of Clearlake and the animals began arriving Sunday afternoon at the SPCA. 

At that time, SPCA was being utilized as a spay and neuter clinic for the Clearlake Pet Project. So as the dedicated veterinary staff finished up with the spay-neuter surgeries on the right side of the building and SPCA volunteers began transporting those animals home, LEAP personnel and their volunteers began setting up on the left side of the facility and began in taking animals evacuated from the Lower Lake and Clearlake areas. 

Three of the animals that had been scheduled for surgery that day were actually under evacuation as well and stayed in the facility, the SPCA reported.

Between Sunday when the SPCA opened the facility to LEAP, and Thursday when the evacuation orders had been lifted and all of the animals went home, approximately 100 cats, 40 dogs, two goats, a dozen geese, six chickens, parrots and a rabbit had passed through the SPCA doors, according to the SPCA.

The SPCA reported that it also is working with the local rescue organization Orphan Dog to support the pets and their families displaced by the fire by providing free pet food and supplies at their temporary distribution center in Lower Lake.  For more information, please call 707-367-0270.

The Board of Directors at the SPCA of Lake County reported that it is proud to serve in these new roles to the community and thanked the community for their generous donation and support during this time of need.

The SPCA continues to hold its monthly vaccination clinic on the third Sunday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at its headquarters, 8025 Highway 29 in Kelseyville.

If you would like to contribute financially to the SPCA to assist with these great programs, please send your donations to P.O. Box 784, Clearlake CA 95422.