Frustration is mounting with the Whakatane SPCA as hundreds of pet owners become desperate to save animals stranded in Edgecumbe's flood waters.

Evacuees were forced to leave their pets behind when they fled their homes, and aren't being allowed back to get them.

Cattery worker Almarie Smyth said if a vet hadn't bumped them up the SPCA's list their seven cats would still be trapped inside in unhealthy conditions.

She says the SPCA is failing to communicate with pet owners - and it's not good enough.

"There's no coordination going on, no one knows where they're basing their operations from," she said. "They're not allowing people to volunteer even just to do animal runs."

However, animal welfare inspector at the Whakatane SPCA Liisa Jones said a team of 30 are wading trough chest-deep water to rescue people's pets.

"The water was up to our armpits," she said. "Were having to wear lifejackets, we have to be careful of power, sewage, petrol and all sorts of stuff in the water."

"We are really doing our best to get in there. We totally understand how they're feeling."

"[Pets] are a part of the family. We're working all hours to try and get those animals out."