Photo: Contributed

A volunteer spends time with pets

Evacuees from the wildfire in B.C.'s interior are not the only ones getting help this week at the Penticton Community Centre.

The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team, ALERT, is also at the Emergency Social Services reception centre, to provide assistance to their pets.

"In the world we live in now, pets have become a part of families. In many cases these animals are their reason for living," said Deborah McBride, Penticton supervisor for ALERT. "So we want to give these animals the care they need."

ALERT started up at the same time as the reception centre for evacuees last weekend.

So far about 20 animals have received help.

Among the services is free boarding or day care for animals, for when owners need to shop or run other errands, and provisions of donated food.

McBride said the team is experienced having dealt with previous fires including recently working with pets from the Highland Motel fire.

The Emergency Social Services reception centre is at the community centre at 325 Power Street in Penticton.