Firefighters responded to a warehouse-like building near Tumwater where 18 dogs died of smoke inhalation.
The deceased included three mothers and their 15 puppies.
Thurston County Animal Services said 19 other dogs were found safe in kennels inside the building. Another dog and cat were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation. About 40 animals in total were on site.
Sharon Gold, the owner of the dogs, said she runs a rescue called Furever Home. Gold told KIRO 7 she had just moved her operation to this location Sunday.
“There’s no words to describe, you know – what I feel and what these dogs went through today,” Gold said.
Animal Services said Thursday’s fire was ruled an accident.