We started helping pet parents immediately after the fires began.

Andrea and I sat at home and watched our Sylmar and surrounding communities rise in flames. We felt helpless. Are we next? We could see the smoke from the Pasadena and Sylmar fires from our front yard. A dark cloud loomed over the mountains, and a burning smell lingered in the air. The constant alerts on our phones, preparing us for evacuation, had everyone on edge. The winds roared, blowing everything in sight, and then total darkness came over our community. There was a power outage. There was stillness for a brief moment, and then the sounds of sirens could be heard passing. It was scary because there was uncertainty about what will happen next. Although we were concerned about our well-being, the one thing on our minds was what would happen to those individuals and animals in the midst of danger.

We gratefully made it through the night without incident.

The next morning, Andrea and I discussed ways that we can help. We have two grooming salons, one in Sylmar and one in Van Nuys. We can offer free baths to those animals that the fires have displaced. That's the least that we can do. We called a friend at the Pasadena Humane Society and informed them that we have space to board pets needing help. We asked them if we could come out there and provide our services onsite. We don't have a mobile unit, so we must bring portable tubs, equipment, a water source, etc. We are providing free baths for the animals displaced by the fires. We have also opened our shops for boarding animals who need respite until their pet parents can get on their feet or need help finding a foster home or adoption.

We need a mobile pet care unit to respond immediately to emergencies. We want to travel to the communities that need our help and meet them where they are. With this mobile unit, we will be able to reach the communities in need, groom their pets, provide pet food, bedding, supplies, referrals, and funding for vet care, and transport animals to safe places to get the services they need.

We need your help in bringing this to fruition! Please donate to our cause and share with others.

Our Goal

Raise $70,000 as soon as possible to take our work where it is most needed right now. The funds will be used to purchase a Pet Mobile Unit so that we can provide services to fire-impacted community members and other communities in need, including grooming, pet food, bedding, toys, and supplies (e.g., collars, harnesses, leashes, and feeding bowls).

How You Can Help

Please make a tax-deductible donation now. Time is of the essence in saving pets impacted by the LA fires. Your donation will allow Loving Paws, Inc., to provide pets affected by the fires with everything they need to stay healthy, happy, and housed.

Activate your love of pets and give today.

Our Story

Many studies document the benefits of pets for the unhoused. Pets provide comfort and protection as people navigate life on the streets or in shelters. They also give solace and companionship to unhoused elders and those experiencing mental health challenges.

But pet care can be costly.

Andrea and Terryl started Loving Paws, Inc., to fill that need and support unhoused community members and others who want to care for their pets but need assistance with grooming and maintaining their basic needs. Loving Paws, Inc. believes that every pet deserves to look and feel its best and makes it possible for pet parents to love their pet family by keeping them clean, healthy, and happy.

Loving Paws, Inc. is the non-profit arm of Wash My Dog, a full-service pet grooming salon started by Andrea Carter and Terryl Daluz in 2019. With two locations, Andrea and Terryl wanted all pets to receive the safe, friendly, and thorough pet services they provide to their clients, especially pets whose pet parents could not afford their basic needs or access to high-quality pet grooming.

Our Founders

Terryl Daluz and Andrea Carter are passionate about providing services to homeless individuals and families. They have worked in the social services field for over twenty years. Terryl was a case manager, helping provide housing and services to unhoused individuals. Andrea is the Director of Interim Housing for several shelters throughout Los Angeles. In their positions, they have seen firsthand how people struggle to maintain and care for their pets and to access and retain housing.

Mobile Pet Care Van

Helping LA Fire Pet Parents Bounce Back