Pictures from Chopper 11 HD showed firefighters putting out hotspots in a building that was leveled by flames at Puppy Paradise on West Blanche Street Extension in Selma.
Officials said firefighters managed to rescue most of the dogs in the building. Pine Level Fire Department spokesperson Gary Wood estimated there were about 45 dogs inside when the fire began.
"I'm a pet owner myself, and I hate to see any animal perish like that," said Wood.
Firefighters had initially estimated far more dogs in the building, but scaled that back after getting a statement from the facility owner.
Wood said there were about seven different breeds and the facility specialized in smaller dogs.
According to website information, the business also provides grooming and boarding services.
Wood said the owner of the business was treated for smoke inhalation. There were no other human injuries.
The call came in around 8:17 a.m. The cause of the fire is unknown as the investigation is just beginning.
Workers with Johnston County Animal Services took surviving animals to their facility for care.
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