SPCA finds temporary shelter for pets evacuated because of Port Hills fire

The SPCA has already helped to find temporary shelter for pets evacuated because of the Christchurch Port Hills fire. Photo / Warren Buckland

Some dog kennels and catteries are taking in pets evacuated because of the Christchurch Port Hills fire and not charging, the SPCA says.

SPCA Canterbury chief executive Barry Helem urged people who had been evacuated to call his organisation if they needed help finding temporary accommodation for pets or livestock.

"We've got good relationships with other cat and dog rescue groups.

"We've managed to house some cats and a couple of dogs. We've got others on standby.

"It's early in the day and our phones are busy. If people are having trouble getting through, bear with us."

The SPCA did not charge and some commercial catteries and kennels were also offering not to charge for fire-evacuated pets.

People had also phoned in offering spare paddocks for evacuated livestock.

"It's been fantastic to see such good support come from the community."

The Lost Pet Register has made an appeal on Facebook for people who can accommodate or transport pets.

Register manager Leanne Simpkin said the post went up last night.

"... [it] has had over 4200 shares, 456 reactions, [been] viewed by 229,781 people and most importantly 863 comments with just about all of them being offers to help the pets and stock of Christchurch along with many offers of accommodation for people that require it as well."

• SPCA Canterbury: 03 349 7057