A problem with a heating system at a kennel in Saskatoon has left 14 dogs dead.

"There was a mechanical malfunction with the heating system," explained Bonnie Clark, manager of Playful Paws Pet Center located in the city's Sutherland Industrial area.

The kennel posted an apology to their Facebook page Saturday afternoon.

According to the post, the building's roof top heating units pushed the heat into one of the facility's upstairs kennel rooms. It got so hot that dogs being kept there died.

Clark said the owners of the dogs staying at the pet daycare and boarding centre are currently being notified.

"Certainly, our hearts go out to the families whose pets have died," said Patricia Cameron, executive director of the Saskatoon SPCA. "It's very devastating. And to the people that worked at Playful Paws, because that has got to be someone's worst nightmare. It's a sad day."

She said the SPCA has launched an investigation to find out what exactly happened.

No bylaws in Saskatoon, says SPCA

Cameron said there are currently no bylaws in Saskatoon that speak to kennels other than needing a business licence to operate a facility.

"Generally speaking, many animal-based businesses are largely unregulated," she added.

"Just as general rule, we suggest to people that they very carefully check out any facility that are providing dog care or training, and that they're responsible organizations with trained staff and appropriate safety precautions."