
The Chico Regional Airport in California has been involved in animal rescue efforts. During the Camp Fire in North California, Chico Airport buildings were converted into animal houses, providing shelter for dogs, cats, chickens, snakes, hermit crabs, ducks, and rabbits. The airport also has an animal control team that handles stray dogs and unwanted dogs from owners within Chico's city limits. In another instance, a Chico Airport crew rescued four kittens from an excavator in an operation dubbed Operation Kitten Rescue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals Rescued | Cats, dogs, chickens, snakes, hermit crabs, ducks, rabbits, and kittens |
| Location | Chico Regional Airport, California |
| Animal Shelter | Chico Animal Shelter |
| Animal Control | Chico Animal Control |
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What You'll Learn
- Chico Airport converted into an animal shelter during the Camp Fire crisis
- Chico Animal Shelter houses stray dogs and takes unwanted dogs from Chico residents
- The Chico Animal Shelter does not accept stray or surrendered cats
- Chico Airport staff rescued four kittens from an excavator
- The Chico Regional Airport is a fully certified Part 139 airport

Chico Airport converted into an animal shelter during the Camp Fire crisis
In 2018, the Chico Municipal Airport was converted into an animal shelter during the Camp Fire crisis in Northern California. The fire led to the displacement of over 50,000 people, and many animals were also separated from their owners. The airport's buildings were transformed into temporary homes for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, snakes, ducks, and rabbits. The North Valley Animal Disaster Group played a crucial role in reuniting pets with their owners.
The Chico Airport shelter accommodated a diverse range of animals, reflecting the rural nature of the surrounding area. While dogs and cats were the most common residents, there was also a dedicated room for chickens, including an injured one with a blue cast. Volunteers even set up a temporary "reptile house" to accommodate snakes that had been brought to the shelter. The shelter also played a role in rescuing animals in danger, such as four kittens that were rescued from an excavator by Chico Airport staff in 2025.
During the Camp Fire crisis, the airport served as a vital hub for animal rescue and reunification efforts. The North Valley Animal Disaster Group volunteer, Jan Reale, described the constant influx of animals, with more arriving even as others were reunited with their owners. The shelter's efforts provided comfort and hope to survivors, many of whom were unsure about the fate of their homes and pets. The work of dedicated volunteers and officials ensured that displaced animals were cared for and given a second chance.
The Chico Airport animal shelter exemplifies the resilience and compassion of the community in the face of crisis. It also highlights the importance of considering the welfare of animals during disasters. The transformation of the airport into a shelter was a spontaneous response to the urgent need for space to house displaced animals. This quick thinking and adaptability ensured that countless animals were given refuge and the opportunity to be reunited with their loved ones.
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Chico Animal Shelter houses stray dogs and takes unwanted dogs from Chico residents
Chico Animal Shelter, a section under the Chico Police Department, houses and cares for all stray dogs found within Chico's city limits. These dogs may have been picked up by Chico Animal Control or brought in by concerned citizens. The Chico Animal Shelter also accepts unwanted dogs from owners living within the city on a space-available basis and maintains a waiting list. The shelter does not accept healthy stray cats but does take in surrendered cats.
The Chico Regional Airport has also been known to provide shelter for animals during emergencies. During the Camp Fire in North California, airport buildings were converted into temporary homes for dogs, cats, and other animals awaiting reunification with their owners. This included chickens, snakes, ducks, rabbits, and hermit crabs. The airport staff has also been involved in rescuing animals, as demonstrated by their rescue of four kittens from an excavator during a routine Monday afternoon.
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The Chico Animal Shelter does not accept stray or surrendered cats
Chico Municipal Airport has been known to convert its buildings into temporary shelters for animals displaced by wildfires. In 2018, the airport housed dogs, cats, chickens, snakes, hermit crabs, ducks, and rabbits, among other creatures, as their owners evacuated the area. The animals were separated into those identified by their owners and those still classified as strays.
While the Chico Animal Shelter, a section under the Chico Police Department, does house and care for all stray dogs found within Chico city limits, it does not accept stray or surrendered cats. The shelter maintains a waiting list for dogs that need to be surrendered by their owners.
If you have lost or found a pet, you can visit the Chico Animal Shelter's Lost and Found Logs page to report or search for the pet. The shelter also offers a free Pet ID Tag for Chico residents. Additionally, you can reach Chico Animal Control by calling (530) 897-4960 for more information.
It is important to note that the Chico Animal Shelter is distinct from the Chico Municipal Airport, which has served as a temporary shelter for various animals during emergencies such as wildfires.
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Chico Airport staff rescued four kittens from an excavator
Chico Airport staff members paused their work on a Monday afternoon after hearing faint meowing sounds. The sounds were coming from an excavator parked about 20 feet from their offices. The staff, based at the aviation service company at Chico Regional Airport, discovered four kittens—two males and two females—in a narrow compartment within the machine. The kittens were just over two weeks old and had been exposed to cold and rainy weather over the weekend. One of the staff members, Zach Harris, a self-proclaimed cat lover, carefully rescued the kittens over a 30-minute period, using gentle calls and patient maneuvering to coax them out.
The kittens were found in a piece of equipment located in a fenced contractor's yard that had been used for Park Fire cleanup efforts. The rescue effort, dubbed "Operation Kitten Rescue," demonstrated the dedication and compassion of the Chico Airport staff, who went above and beyond their regular duties to ensure the safety and well-being of the kittens. Their quick response and willingness to help showcase the airport's commitment to the community and the welfare of all its members, including the furry ones.
Chico Airport, located in California, has a history of accommodating animals, especially during challenging times. During the Camp Fire in North California in 2018, buildings at the airport were converted into temporary shelters for various animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, snakes, ducks, and rabbits. The airport became a haven for displaced animals, with volunteers working tirelessly to reunite them with their owners.
The recent rescue of the four kittens from the excavator further highlights the airport's role in supporting the community and its furry companions. The swift action taken by the staff ensured the kittens' safety and well-being, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their regular aviation duties. This incident showcases the compassionate nature of the Chico Airport staff and their commitment to creating a positive impact on their community.
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The Chico Regional Airport is a fully certified Part 139 airport
The airport is owned and operated by the City of Chico, which is located in Northern California. The city takes pride in the airport, which offers a wide array of facilities and services for the aviation community all year round. Chico Regional Airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1930s when it was first built on 160 acres of land, five miles north of the city. Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and served various purposes, including supporting the needs of the United States military during World War II.
Today, the City of Chico is actively working to restore commercial passenger air service to the Greater Chico Area. This initiative aims to benefit residents by reducing gas and accommodation expenses and boosting local business and economic growth. The airport also provides overnight transient aircraft parking at competitive rates.
In addition to its focus on aviation, Chico Regional Airport has demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare. In a notable incident, staff from an aviation service company based at the airport rescued four kittens from an excavator during "Operation Kitten Rescue." This incident showcases the airport's concern for the well-being of animals, and it is reasonable to assume that similar rescue efforts would be undertaken if the need arose again.
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Frequently asked questions
Chico Airport has been used as a shelter for dogs, cats, chickens, reptiles, snakes, hermit crabs, ducks, and rabbits.
Chico Animal Services is a section under the Chico Police Department and includes both Chico Animal Control and the Chico Animal Shelter.
You can donate to Chico's Faithful Friends Animal Society, which helps save animals like Chico, a dog rescued by a member of FFAS staff.











































