Firefighters from four departments battled the blaze for more than four hours Wednesday, the Journal and Courier reported Thursday. The firefighters' injuries were not considered life threatening, a fire official said.
Adorable Pets had just received a shipment of exotic animals, including prairie dogs, flying squirrels and ferrets, said Rodney Wann, public health coordinator for the Clinton County Health Department.
``They had animal control here, and there was no way to save the animals,'' he said.
The three-story building with a full basement takes up about a half-block of the city about 25 miles southeast of Lafayette. The building also houses a Child Protective Services office, antique store and dance club.
A damage estimate and cause were not immediately available.