The devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires presented a unique challenge for animal lovers and organizations in the community. Amidst the chaos and destruction, a group of dedicated individuals stepped forward to rescue animals impacted by the disaster. In this article, we will explore the story behind the original half-hour documentary, “Animals in the Aftermath,” which showcases the efforts to rescue and care for these animals.
Produced by NBCU Local documentary Executive Producer Cody Broadway, “Animals in the Aftermath” highlights the resilience and dedication of the community, as well as the emotional reunions between pets and owners. The program follows rescuers who ventured behind the fire lines, overwhelmed shelters that accommodated hundreds of animals in need, and local organizations that supported the rescue efforts. These organizations include:
- Greater Good Charities – Mobilized within hours of the first major evacuation to help people and animals, airlifting pets from shelters to make critical space, providing food, essential supplies, and veterinary support.
- The Horse Rescue – Follows two women who risked their lives to save dozens of horses from the encroaching flames.
- The Cat Café – A safe haven for first responders and fire survivors, offering a space of peace and healing.
- Pasadena Humane – The central hub for the crisis, organizing rescue operations and providing emergency care around the clock.
The documentary features emotional reunions between pets and owners, highlighting the incredible dedication and care provided by the community. “The animals and the individuals who risked their lives to save them are the heart of this special,” said Executive Producer Cody Broadway. “This is our way to honor the incredible dedication by members of the community to take matters into their hands for the sake of the innocent pets and animals and be the lifeline they so desperately needed.”
Through Clear The Shelters, NBC and Telemundo stations across the nation partner with more than 1,500 animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption and fundraising. The 2024 campaign set a single-year record with nearly 170,000 adoptions nationally. Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find new homes and raised over $5 million for shelters and rescues. This year’s Clear The Shelters will take place Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.
“Helping animals and supporting communities is a year-round mission that extends beyond our annual Clear The Shelters campaign,” said Diane Petzke, executive producer of “Animals in the Aftermath” and vice president, programming and partnerships, NBC Owned Stations. “We hope that the inspirational stories featured in this special will showcase the power of empathy and care for the wellbeing of the animals and the heroes that made rescuing these animals from the tragic Los Angeles wildfires possible.”
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| Greater Good Charities | Airlifted pets from shelters to make critical space, provided food, essential supplies, and veterinary support. |
| The Horse Rescue | Followed two women who risked their lives to save dozens of horses from the encroaching flames. |
| The Cat Café | A safe haven for first responders and fire survivors, offering a space of peace and healing. |
| Pasadena Humane | The central hub for the crisis, organizing rescue operations and providing emergency care around the clock. |
“Animals in the Aftermath” will premiere on NBC-owned stations’ free local news streaming channels and Peacock on Sunday, April 27. The Spanish-language edition, “Animales Tras El Desastre,” will premiere on Telemundo-owned stations’ free regional news streaming channels beginning May 3.
Through its powerful storytelling, “Animals in the Aftermath” aims to raise awareness and support for the incredible work of the community in rescuing and caring for animals affected by the wildfires.
