A Community Guide to Protecting Companion Animals When Our Neighbors are Detained or Deported

Quick Resources Supporting Companion Animals for Families in Crisis

• Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control (DACC)
• The Bond Between (Minnesota)
• VIDA (Los Angeles area)
• RedRover
• ASPCA Shelter Collaboration Initiatives

The surge in ICE actions and confrontations have left some companion animals without their primary caregivers. In places like Minnesota and Southern California, animal shelters and community organizations have stepped in after guardians were detained or deported, sometimes with little opportunity to make care arrangements in advance. These situations underscore the emotional toll of sustained uncertainty and the importance of community coordination and compassionate support.

For people who love and depend on their companion animals, the uncertainty about who will care for them if something unexpected happens is a profound source of worry. At World Animal Protection US, we believe that helping people include their companion animals when making emergency plans is key. It’s about dignity, stability, and peace of mind. When families know their animals will be safe and cared for should something happen, they are better able to navigate complex and stressful circumstances.

What the News Is Reporting

Across multiple regions, journalists have documented a Across multiple regions, journalists have documented a rise in companion animals arriving at shelters or rescue organizations after their guardians were suddenly detained or deported. In Minnesota, organizations supporting animals during periods of intensified ICE raids have described an influx of dogs and cats whose families were taken into custody with little notice. In California, similar stories have emerged following immigration raids, with animals left in homes, vehicles, or neighborhoods when people were unable to return.

These reports reflect the reality of how quickly life can change. They also highlight the vital role community organizations, shelters, and rescue groups play in providing continuity of care and reassurance during moments of disruption.

Preparing as a Companion Animal Guardian

Planning ahead for a potential emergency or crisis is about reducing uncertainty and ensuring that, no matter what happens, companion animals remain safe, loved, and well cared for.

Identify A Trusted Caregiver

Start by talking with a friend, family member, or neighbor who could temporarily care for your companion animals if needed. If that isn’t an option, local animal rescues, mutual aid groups, or faith-based organizations may be able to help connect you with short-term support. Simply knowing there is a plan in place can ease anxiety.

Keep Identification and Records Up-to-Date

Ensure your companion animals wear collars (when appropriate) with current contact information, including your phone number and a backup caregiver’s number. Update microchip records so they include multiple trusted contacts and ways of contact (i.e. phone numbers and email addresses). Many communities offer free or low-cost microchip clinics to help make this step accessible.

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag

Having supplies ready can provide comfort and clarity during stressful moments. An emergency kit for your companion animal might include:

• A brief written profile (name, age, breed, medical needs, behavior notes)
• Vaccination history and medical records
• Feeding instructions and food
• Leash, collar with ID tags, and a carrier or crate
• Recent photos
• Comfort items such as favorite toys, bedding, or blankets

This preparation helps ensure that anyone stepping in can provide consistent, familiar care.

Share Your Plan

Let trusted people and organizations know about your arrangements so your companion animals can be cared for quickly if something unexpected occurs.

How Animal Shelters and Rescues Can Support Their Communities

Animal shelters and rescue organizations are often trusted anchors within their communities. By preparing internally and working collaboratively, they can help reduce fear and provide reassurance to families worried about their companion animals.

Prepare Your Organization

Shelters can begin by communicating openly with staff, volunteers, and supporters about how periods of prolonged ICE activity may affect community needs. Reviewing intake policies, foster capacity, and partnerships allows organizations to respond thoughtfully and sustainably.

Educate and Collaborate

Ensuring teams understand individuals’ rights as companion animal guardians is essential. Building relationships with local social service agencies and community organizations (such as local ACLU chapters and immigration nonprofits) helps shelters clearly define what support they can provide—such as food assistance, temporary foster care, or medical referrals—and communicate those resources to the public.

Offer Practical, Accessible Support

When families are experiencing fear, lost income, or instability, tangible services can make a meaningful difference. Shelters may consider offering:

• Low- or no-cost veterinary care
• Companion animal food and supply assistance
• Temporary foster care or crisis placements
• Help covering companion animal–related fees or deposits
• Behavior support and trainer referrals
• Rehoming assistance when reunification is not possible

Practical Resources for Families and Companion Animals

Worrying about a beloved companion animal can add immense stress to already challenging situations. When people know their animals are safe, they have more space to focus on their own well-being and next steps. Knowing where to turn for help can make planning feel more manageable.

The following organizations offer support related to emergency planning, temporary care, foster placement, and community assistance for companion animals.

Planning and Emergency SupportPlanning and Emergency Support

• Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control (DACC) – Provides planning tools, pet profile forms, and emergency resources to help guardians prepare for unexpected situations.
• The Bond Between (Minnesota) – Offers temporary foster care, emergency food assistance, and support for companion animals whose guardians are unable to care for them due to sudden life changes.

Foster Care and Placement Support

• VIDA (Los Angeles area) – Supports short- and long-term foster care and veterinary assistance for companion animals affected by family separation.
• RedRover – A national nonprofit that helps care for companion animals during emergencies and unexpected crises.

Shelter Networks and Community Support

• ASPCA Shelter Collaboration Initiatives – Provides resources and guidance to shelters serving people and companion animals in crisis.

Local community centers, animal protection organizations, and social service agencies may also offer region-specific support, often in multiple languages.

World Animal Protection Stands Against Violence

The actions by ICE under the current administration, including violence, intimidation, and profiling, are antithetical to World Animal Protection's values and commitment to building a better world for human and nonhuman animals. We stand against all forms of racism, anti-Blackness, hate, discrimination, and injustice.