A dozen cats are dead after a fire Friday morning at a Rostraver home that also served as an animal shelter, a Westmoreland County 911 supervisor said.

Emergency responders reported that the house was engulfed in flames when they arrived on scene shortly after 3:45 a.m., the supervisor said.

The house is located along Route 51 near Vernon Drive, according to public safety officials.

No other injuries were reported.

Wendy Kramer, who was the only occupant of the home and operates the nonprofit Angels Journey Home Animal Rescue, said she was able to get 20 other cats and a dozen dogs out of the shelter but needs help with foster care or temporary housing for the animals.

“The house is completely gone, but I was able to rent a motel room to bring the animals,” Kramer said. “The most important thing I need right now is someone who has a heated barn where I can place an older goat that I rescued.”

Kramer said donations, which can be made through the shelter’s website, also are needed to help care for the surviving animals.

Anyone who can help by fostering animals can call Kramer directly at 412-680-0393.

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