Because most emergency shelters for humans are not able to help shelter animals, many loved pets are temporarily placed in animal shelters. During the California Wildfires, shelters closest to these fires were filled beyond their limitations, surrounding agencies sprung into action taking thousands of these displaced pets. Some of these shelters are still in need right now (October 2018).
There are many different ways for you to help, but the best gift you can give these organizations is cash. See KQED’s “California Report” for a list of agencies to help.