Monterey pet spa catches fire, 15 dogs died, firefighters said

Home Away From Home, a pet spa in Monterey, caught fire Sunday afternoon killing 15 dogs, firefighters said.

The spa’s owner had just left the business to pick up two dogs. When he returned the building was on fire, the Monterey Fire Department said.

Fire crews got the call at about 1:30 p.m. They said it was a small fire with heavy smoke.

Crews got the fire under control within minutes, firefighters said.

One dog and six cats survived.

The SPCA for Monterey County said they will receive the dogs’ remains early Monday morning and will contact owners to identify and reclaim their pets.

“We can’t imagine the pain these owners are going through right now. Our hearts go out to them and we are here for them in their time of need,” the SPCA’s Beth Brookhouser said.

The spa is located on 1231 10th Street in Monterey and was not open at the time of the fire, firefighters said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.