Fire at Central California pet boarding facility kills 14 dogs, deals emotional blow to owners

Authorities say 14 dogs died in a fire at a Central California boarding facility that cares for pets while their owners are away on vacation.

Inspector Mike Ventimiglia of the Monterey Fire Department said Monday it appears the dogs died of smoke inhalation. He says a cause for the Sunday afternoon blaze at Home Away from Home pet spa remains under investigation.

One dog survived the fire, along with six cats and a tarantula.

Ventimiglia says the business owner had left the building to pick up two more dogs when the fire started.

He says the fire was emotionally devastating to pet owners.

The owner of the business was not immediately available for comment Monday.