SANFORD, Fla. – More than a dozen cats were killed in a tragic fire at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando on Conroy Road Wednesday night, and now the shelter is asking for help from the community.
The surviving cats and dogs lack proper shelter now; the pets also need food, towels, blankets and other supplies.
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“If you have the capacity and feel led to donate, your donations would be greatly appreciated,” a spokesperson for Pet Alliance said in a statement. “PAGO will be rebuilding. They are going to need all of our support to do that.”
Pet Orlando Alliance Staff said since the fire overnight Wednesday, they have been overwhelmed by community support already collecting more than $250,000 dollars in donations, according to Cathy Rogers.
“It’s incredible,” Rogers said in tears. “We have received over $250,000 dollars in donations online just through our website since yesterday which is just, I mean I work in fundraising so that’s my department and I have never seen anything like that.”
Jim Heil, after hearing the news, donated to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
“It’s beyond heartbreaking,” he said. “You see something like that, the first thing you want to do is donate.”
He said he’s glad it wasn’t worse.
“Thank God they got out what they could get out. It was just devastating to watch that fire,” Heil said.
Susan Weirauch also donated and said she’s glad to see so many others doing the same.
“I’ve always said most people are pretty good and this just proves it,” Weirauch said.
Officials with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando said in an update Friday the response has been overwhelming.
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community 🧡 It has been an extremely difficult time...
Posted by Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando on Friday, September 17, 2021
For those who want to reach out and help relieve the heartbreaking situation, officials said people can drop off donations at the Sanford Pet Alliance location at 2800 County Home Road.
Monetary donations can also be made online at this link.
Pet Alliance said in a statement 45 cats and 26 dogs were rescued. However, 13 cats were killed in the fire and four are still missing.