Here's what's next for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando recently provided the community with an update on the future of the organization since the fire that broke out on Sept. 15, that we told you about here. 

Founded in 1937, the PAGO is one of the region’s oldest and largest animal welfare agencies. It serves Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and parts of Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties.

On Monday, Oct. 11, the fire was confirmed accidental in nature. 

"Our investigation has concluded, and the cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental in nature," the Office of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Florida Department of Financial Services said.

No other details were currently provided.

Since the fire, the animal shelter said that they have raised nearly $1 million in donations.

"We know this community loves Pet Alliance, but we are still in awe of how Central Florida stepped up to support us these past couple weeks," the shelter wrote on social media. "In the wake of the fire on September 15, countless people have reached out with kind words of caring and sympathy. Donations of pet food, treats, towels and more have filled one storage space and are piled up on six pallets at a second space."

According to the organization, it has received more than 13,000 monetary donations from individuals, small businesses and groups. 

The PAGO is now working on creating a long-term temporary shelter space. 

The organization said they are working closely with a realtor to locate a space in Orange County to serve as a hub for the programs in Orlando.

"We are looking for roughly 5,000 square feet of space that will allow us to provide intake services, foster and volunteer support, and cat sheltering," PAGO said. "Dogs will continue to be kenneled overnight at the Sanford shelter."

Although 23 cats were lost in the fire, many other cats were rescued and all 26 dogs made it out of the fire safely.

The new space required needs to also be zoned for animal kennels and have approval from the landlord or owner for housing animals on site. 

Pet Alliance is open to any leads the community may have on a space.