A large number of dogs and cats perished as fires swept through a boarding kennel in Inglewood in the Adelaide Hills.

The owners of the Tea Tree Gully Boarding Kennels and Cattery used social media to share the news that, while they managed to save more than 40 dogs, a large number also perished and no cats survived when the cattery was destroyed.

• Lives, property under threat in Adelaide
• Warnings as Victoria prepares to swelter
• Firefighters hurt, homes lost in Adelaide

The owners said they were devastated by the loss of their home, business and people’s pets and had been working to contact pet owners individually.

“We love all the animals we have in our care and are devastated by this. Our deepest sympathy to all who have suffered a loss,” a post on the business’s Facebook page said.

“We have lost a home, business and pets we love and feel so awful about the loss of people’s beloved pets.”

Access to the kennels was still impossible with roads remaining closed.

The Facebook post attracted more than 6,000 comments, with people expressing their sorrow over the animals that were lost and offering help.

“So sorry to hear guys,” previous customer Hamish Gleeson wrote.

“When it all clears and access is allowed again if there is absolutely anything I can do to help, name it!

“You guys have been amazing looking after our pets and I would be honoured to help out in your time of need!”

Samantha Louise Ballard added: “Absolutely bawling my eyes out. My deepest sympathies to everyone.

“I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to lose your home and your business along with so many loved furry babies.

“I am sending so much love to you and all of your beautiful clients whom have lost their loved ones.”

Sonya Mara lost her two cats in the blaze.

“This is simply awful.. I lost my two cats Roger and Remy… Totally devastated,” she wrote.

“I’m overseas but I wish I was home.

“So sorry for the poor owners of the TTG kennels, not only their own losses to bear but all of ours too!

“My heart goes out to them and all of us who lost a loved pet.”

In an update on Facebook this morning, the owners posted that the surviving dogs had been relocated to various veterinary surgeries in the area.