ORLANDO, Fla. — Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is grateful for the support after the fatal fire that killed 17 cats last week.
What You Need To Know
- Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando believes the fire was electrical; state fire marshal's office investigation not over
- Pet Alliance is trying to get a temporary facility in Orlando
- 12,000 businesses and people sent in donations
- RELATED: 45 cats rescued, 17 killed in large fire at Pet Alliance in Orlando
The group is hoping that support will continue as the pet rescue group sets up a temporary facility while it builds a new shelter in Orlando.
Pet Alliance sent an email to supporters Wednesday. The group said it believes the fire was electrical and started in the public clinic area. The state fire marshal's office has not completed its investigation yet.
The facility off Conroy Road, across from Orange County Animal Services, is a near total loss, the email said.
"The roof has caved in on all of the public clinic and a vast majority of the shelter. Sprinkler systems were in place in the cat portion of the building, and we believe that this may have helped keep the seven cats alive that staff found the morning after the fire," the email to supporters said.
Orange County Animal Service staff spotted the fire overnight Sept. 15. They notified first responders and began working to evacuate the animals. In all, 45 cats and 26 dogs were saved that night.
Since then, Pet Alliance says it has gotten monetary and supply help from 12,000 businesses and people in the area. They no longer need supplies like pet food for now and are asking people to hold off until they can sort through it all and see what they have, However, they still need monetary support.
Pet Alliance right now is looking for a long-term temporary space in Orlando to continue providing surrender and adoptions services in the area. Until they have that, the group will be using more offsite adoption locations and other creative ways to help the community. Animals were moved to the Sanford shelter after the fire.
Pet Alliance will also have to build a new permanent facility. Fortunately, Pet Alliance already secured land for a facility and began raising money more than two years ago. The property is on John Young Parkway. The group is working to expedite fundraising and building.
Anyone who wishes to donate money can do so on the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando website.