Wanganui pets were not forgotten in the aftermath of flooding that forced the evacuation of homes last month.
Several animals were rescued from Anzac Parade after the cordon was lifted and Wanganui SPCA sheltered cats that had been separated from owners.
Wanganui accommodation providers also came to the party.
Some displaced households found temporary accommodation where they could keep their pets with them. The Grand Hotel does not usually accept four-legged guests but owner Neville Gorrie waived the rules for exceptional circumstances.
"We had a little dog and a cat here for two weeks and they were no trouble," he said.
Raceway Motel owner Tony Richardson runs a pet-friendly establishment all year although he said he doesn't normally have a lot staying at one time.
"I don't take horses or cows, but after the flood we had four dogs, three cats and a bird all staying on the same night.
"A rural family with three dogs are still staying and waiting to get their new carpet laid so they can move back to their home."
Some evacuated residents arranged to have their dogs cared for at the pound and some dogs from Anzac Parade and one from Whangaehu were visited and walked by their owners during their stay.
"The pound accommodated 11 dogs from a rural property which had been badly hit by flooding - it is a safe place for pets to be during an emergency," said Wanganui District Council animal control team leader Jo Meiklejohn.
"While the pound is often perceived as a place where animals are taken in for 'bad' behaviour, in the event of an emergency the availability of shelter, food and care makes it a good place for displaced animals."
Mars, makers of the Lucky brand, and Purina donated pet food during the flood which was distributed on request and included in packages that were taken to isolated areas by helicopter.