California Wildfire Relief

California has always been known for their wildfires but 2020 was a year for the record books. 9,639 fires had burned 4,177,855 acres, damaging and/or destroying 10,500 structures and killing 31 people. When compared with the 259,823 acres burned in 2019, the 2020 numbers are overwhelmingly staggering with a 1,607% increase.

Tens of thousands of people were evacuated. As residents pack up their belongings and leave their homes during a wildfire, animals -small and large- are sometimes left behind as humans scramble in search of refuge. An unreported and inconceivable number of pets, livestock and wildlife have been displaced if lucky enough to make it out alive.

During these devastating times there is an organization that wishes to help and bring some relief. The NCAEP, also known as the Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners, generously provides all supplies needed for member veterinarians to care for the animals who have been affected by the fires.

As bad as 2020 has been for the Californians, they are never out of the woods. A dry winter in California could lead to a worse than average wildfire season this coming year.

“We’re seeing these fires become more and more disruptive and produce more and more smoke,” says UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain. If La Niña doesn’t weaken and storms don’t drench the state this winter, Swain says California will likely be entering a multi-year drought within a decade of the last one. And he says droughts lead to water scarcity and very active wildfire seasons.

In order to bring awareness and assist in relief efforts, North Shore Farm has joined forces with Animals in Motion veterinarian and active volunteer of the NCAEP, Dr. Lauren Taylor. Upon collaboration, an Equine Emergency Kit has been created for horse owners everywhere. The kit is packed in a sharp looking duffle bag that is easy to spot and grab, giving you one less concern during an evacuation or medical emergency. While the Equine Emergency Kit is no substitute for a professional’s care and expertise, the supplies and handbook that has been written by AIM professionals could potentially be the difference maker in a wide variety of emergency situations. The handbook is made to be durable as the material is tear and water proof to ensure its’ longevity.

20% of sales will be donated directly to the NCAEP and the Northern California Equestrian Community for each Equine Emergency Kit and similarly branded bandana purchased.

For more information on NCAEP we urge you to visit their website by clicking on the button below and see how you may also contribute to the revitalization of Northern California’s Equine community.