Evacuated residents reunite with their pets

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) As evacuation orders around Monterey County are lifting, owners are connecting with the SPCA to reunite with their pets.

The Monterey County SPCA rescued and evacuated over 700 animals in areas threatened by the Carmel and River fires.

Dave Vandenberg picked up his cat, Skittles, on Tuesday. Vandenberg was evacuated from his home off Laurel Lane in Salinas last week. Firefighters and SPCA staff found Skittles under a propane tank days into the evacuation order.

"We're happy that they were able to get up there and get him. He doesn't seem to get too worried about things. He's always been able to survive," said Vandenberg.

The Monterey County SPCA moved all animals to the Monterey County Fairgrounds after they were evacuated from their headquarters along Highway 68, last Saturday.

SPCA staff are still rescuing and evacuating animals in areas near the fires zone. Assistance is available to people who are under a mandatory evacuation order. Call 831-373-2631 for help during the day or 831-264-5455 for help during the night.

To donate to Monterey County SPCA fire relief efforts, visit: www.spcamc.org.