Firefighters were called to Kim's Pets and Fish in the 1100 block of North Vermont Avenue at about 6:10 a.m. When they arrived, they found the building engulfed in heavy smoke and flames.
The pet shop was part of a strip mall, so crews were concerned about the fire spreading. A knockdown was declared about an hour. Fire officials say about 25 puppies, as well as rabbits, mice and fish were pulled out of the store.
Some animals died inside, but people were injured in the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Authorities say the store's owner took the rescued animals to another pet store.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
