US-ACCIDENT-ANIMAL-THERAPY
United Cajun Navy volunteer Jay Harris feeds dogs he brought for therapy in Surfside, Florida on June 28, 2021. - Blocks away from the wreckage of a Florida apartment tower that suddenly collapsed last week and left scores of people missing, Patrick Williamson sat with his German Shepherd, offering her company to whomever needed it. Five-year-old Gracie has helped him cope with the trauma he experienced serving in the US Army in Iraq, and with 11 people confirmed dead and 150 missing after the oceanfront apartment block collapsed in the middle of the night, he hoped she could do the same for the people of Surfside, Florida. As rescuers comb through the rubble of the 12-story building in hopes of finding survivors, aid workers from across the United States have traveled to the Miami-area town to offer everything from snacks to prayers to therapy. Among them is the United Cajun Navy rescue group, which asked its volunteers to bring therapy dogs to help people cope with the trauma of the collapse. Photo by Chris STEIN / AFP ; Photo by CHRIS STEIN/AFP via Getty Images

After last week's Florida condo collapse, survivors who were also pet owners are now desperate in finding their emotional-support animals who were still in the wreckage.

According to New York Post, Susana Alvarez, one of the residents who lives in an apartment in Champlain Towers South Condo that collapsed near Miami Beach, stated that she was alone and she has nobody. Alvarez stated that she left her beloved cat named 'Mia' when she ran to safety during the collapse.

The 62-year-old woman, Alvarez shared that she thought that they were being bombed. She added that had she not been so scared, she would have gone back in her room to get Mia, but she was terrified during that time.

Moreover, Alvarez, together with another resident, stated that the building where they lived only allowed therapy pets. The 62-year-old woman shared that her 4-year-old, 10-pound, gray-striped feline was registered as an 'emotional support animal.'

The number of pet owner residents of Champlain was not yet confirmed, but an animal organization in the area offered help to any owners. Social media users also urged individuals to share their stories online for authorities to notice and help them in looking for their emotional support pets.

Extended Help for Pet Owners

A member of the Friends of Miami Animals Foundation, Yolanda Berkowitz stated that it was terrible for people to lose everything, especially their beloved pets. Aside from Alvarez's cat named 'Mia,' Berkowitz stated that a black and white feline named Coco is also missing.

In an e-mail, Berkowitz shared that a number of families have not been reunited with their pets. She added that they were continuing their work in identifying other families who also lost their pets.

Berkowitz also gave an email that people who lost their pets, were displaced by the tragedy and are in need of boarding, and for those who need medical assistance. She stated that calls for help can be sent to info@fomapets.org.

Furthermore, Berkowitz stated that Miami-Dade Animal Services is also on stand-by with resources and ready to serve pets and even pet owners in their community.

However, for now, Berkowitz said that authorities and other organizations prioritized search-and-rescue operations on human survivors and stabilizing the location, and keeping first-responders safe. She added that as of the moment airlifting operations are not yet open for dogs and cats because there are still people that may be alive under the debris.

One of the concerned individuals in social media shared that she created a group page to support the residents and families of those impacted by the collapse. She added that people have animals missing and others who want to help. The social media user shared that If people have any updates or requests or advice to those who want to help please share them.'

Another social media user said that she had spoken to an "animal advocate on location'' and she was advised by the local police department to tell people, that If they were residents at the towers and have a pet left behind please it is recommended to reach out directly to the Family Center. She stated in her post that pet owners must register their pets as missing in order for rescue efforts to take in all details in order to better assist you.

WATCH: How dogs may be key in finding Florida condo collapse survivors - FOX 13 Tampa Bay