Report from the Front Lines: SF SPCA Answers SOS from Butte County

Members of the SF SPCA’s Behavior Team travel to Butte County to help animals impacted by the wildfires.

The San Francisco SPCA had already worked closely with Butte County during the devastating wildfires of 2018. So when a call for help came in again this year, we scrambled to respond. Less than 48 hours later, our team hit the road.

The fallout from this year’s North Complex fire had threatened to overwhelm two local shelters, which together were housing roughly 150 homeless animals, burn victims, and pets waiting for evacuation orders to be lifted so they could be reunited with their families. Shelter staff and volunteers, including some from the National Guard, were especially concerned about stress-related aggression exhibited by some of the dogs and cats. 

In Butte County, our SPCA Behavior Team found well-organized facilities that kept the needs of the animals front and center. While local animal rescue staff and volunteers were doing impressive work, housing and caring for large numbers of highly stressed animals is a daunting job. And no matter how well-run, a shelter is always a stressful place for an animal, especially in an emergency situation.

Fortunately, our team was able to help, providing guidance about how to make caring for these animals a bit easier despite the difficult conditions.

“Our goal was to make small changes that would have a big impact,” explained Aaron Teixeira, the SF SPCA’s Shelter Behavior Manager. In areas where dogs were being  walked too closely to dogs in other kennels, which can lead to barking and bite risks, the team made adjustments like erecting movable barriers. Team members also guided staff and volunteers on the use of enrichment toys, proper equipment, and handling methods.

“One of the highlights was working with the dog who was considered the most difficult,” said Aaron. “This dog had bitten someone, but I could see that she was actually a really sweet dog who was just overstimulated and stressed. After working with the dog outside and making some small changes, like entering the kennel more slowly and using treats, we saw a side of the dog that the volunteers hadn’t seen before. In fact, after working with her, the lead National Guardsman said she was now his favorite dog! Watching this change was incredible and the best part of the experience.”

The Behavior Team looked for other areas where small changes could make a big difference.  

“The dogs were being fed before their morning walks,” said Aaron. “But having a meal after a walk helps the dogs calm down when they’re back in their kennel instead of getting stressed by confinement. It also makes them easier to train because they’re hungrier and more food motivated.”

During a lunch break, the SPCA Behavior Team hosted a short talk for volunteers, demonstrating simple handling techniques and discussing ways to decrease fear and anxiety and lower stress levels. The team also distributed a carload of donations, including towels, treats, and other needed equipment.

“The volunteers were so engaged, we got swamped with questions after the talk,” said Aaron. “You could tell they really wanted to do what was best for the animals.”

It’s not every day the SF SPCA is called in to provide extensive full-day trainings in the middle of an emergency. But we were grateful we could help the hard-working staff and volunteers of Butte County. With community support, the SF SPCA continues to stand ready whenever animals are in need.