In an effort to help families affected by the disastrous California wildfires, Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets, announced today that it has initiated a call center service to assist displaced families find temporary homes for their pets.


The service, which is available to pet families in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-654-4732 or by logging onto www.petfinder.com, will allow the thousands of evacuated families to address their immediate needs and still ensure their pets are cared for. Volunteers interested in fostering a pet affected by the California wildfires can register to help at www.petfinder.com.


"It is critical for all pet owners affected by these horrific wildfires to know that their pet is safe and cared for while they take the time they need to pull their lives back together," said Betsy Saul, co-founder of Petfinder.com and senior vice president with Animal Planet Media. "We learned an important lesson from the aftermath of Katrina - many people will not evacuate without every member of the family, including their pets. Now we must provide the supports they need not only at the point of evacuation, but throughout the long rebuilding process."


Additionally, people from all over the country can make a tax-deductible donation to help California families with pets affected by the wildfires at www.petfinder.com/foundation/donate.html.