Pet Adoption In South Africa
What is Pet Adoption?
Pet adoption is the process of transferring responsibility for a pet that was previously owned by another party such as a person, shelter, or rescue organization. Common sources for adoptable pets are animal shelters and rescue groups.
Pet Adoption In South Africa
1.Dogtown SA New Centre
Animal shelter
Address : plot 100, R511 schuverberg, 0200, South Africa
Areas served: Gauteng
Phone : +27 76 044 1979
2.Husky Rescue South Africa
Animal shelter
Address : 178 Rowles Rd, Farmall, 2062, South Africa
Phone : +27 82 851 9576
3.Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre
Animal shelter
Address : 75 R104, Vaalbank-B, Bronkhorstspruit, 1055, South Africa
Areas served: Gauteng
4.Animal Anti-Cruelty League
Animal shelter
Address : 59 Alice St, Regents Park Estate, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa
Phone : +27 11 435 0672
5.Pretoria Dog Rescue
Animal rescue service
Address : Piet Retief Rd, Pretoria Townlands 351-Jr, Centurion, South Africa
Phone : +27 83 767 6345
6.Paws R Us (SA)
Animal rescue service
Address : 22 Summit Road, @ Cadeau Kennels, Blue Hills AH, Midrand, 1685, South Africa
7.Woodrock Animal Rescue
Animal rescue service
Address : Plot 51, R511, Pretoria Rural, Pretoria, 0157, South Africa
Phone : +27 76 155 4439
8.Kitty And Puppy Haven
Animal rescue service
Address : 37 Modderfontein Rd, President Park AH, Midrand, 1685, South Africa
Phone : +27 10 224 0760
9.Domestic Animal Rescue Group
Animal rescue service
Address : Main Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
Phone : +27 21 790 0383
10.Paws Love Animal Shelter
Animal shelter
Address : 42 Mossie Rd, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
Phone : +27 83 990 8533
The Pet Adoption Process in South Africa
In South Africa there are SPCAs and pet rescue centres overflowing with dogs and cats (and other domestic animals) all needing to find their forever homes. The need for pet adoption is overwhelming, so fortunately the adoption process is not that challenging. There may be slight variations to the adoption process, so check with the specific organisation you want to adopt from, but most pet adoptions go like this:
1. Find the right pet
Did you know that adopting from the SPCA or any animal rescue organisation doesn’t mean only adopting mutts and pavement specials? You may be surprised to find quite a number of purebred dogs and fine felines there too. But no matter your preference, you will need to visit the kennels and catteries in person. While there are plenty of online resources where you can view dogs, cats and other pets that are up for adoption, you do need to show up and meet your chosen one (or two) in the flesh.
2. Apply for adoption
Once your heart has been properly melted by the right furry face, you will need to fill in an adoption application form. Along with the application, you will need to supply a copy of your ID book/smartcard/drivers licence. Some organisations require a proof of residence too, so make sure you meet all the requirements and have all the forms ready. If you’re a tenant, you will need to provide written proof of your landlord’s permission for you to get a new pet. And if you live in a sectional title property, you will need permission from your body corporate to prove that pets are allowed in your complex or estate. All of this is to ensure that the adoption ‘sticks’ and the future of your new pet’s wellbeing is secure and forever.
Depending on the organisation or SPCA, the following two steps may be switched around:
3. Bring your other pets (and kids) for a meet-and-greet
If you are already a pet parent, you are urged to bring your other pets to meet your new potential adoptee. Similarly, if you’re the human parent of other small humans, they should get to meet your new pet before you bring him or her home. It’s unfair to try to throw a new pet in the mix and expect everyone to just get along, especially if the history of the pet you want to adopt is unknown. Some organisations work with animal behaviourists who will be able to facilitate the meet and greet, but otherwise you should be able to gauge your pets’ response to their soon-to-be new brother or sister.
4. Be ready for a home check
All organisations and SPCAs perform a home check to check the suitability of your home and yard for a new pet. They will ensure that your perimeter wall or fence is high enough to contain your new dog; that there is adequate outdoor shelter and indoor space; and if you have other pets, that there is enough space for all the pets together. The inspectors will also check the condition of your other pets to ascertain your suitability for a new pet addition – the wellbeing of animals is their top priority!
5. Pay the adoption fee
At the start of the administrative process of adoption, you may be charged a non-refundable deposit, which counts towards the total adoption fee. This is to cover the time and effort that goes into starting the adoption process. Adoption fees vary from one place to the next, but could be anywhere between R500 and R1200 per animal.
“But if the kennels are overflowing, why don’t they give the animals away for free?”
The animal is free – it’s the administrative and medical costs that need to be covered. When you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter or SPCA, the relevant organisation will not release him or her from their care without deworming, immunisation, microchipping and sterilisation being done. These procedures done at a private vet can cost well over R2500 in total, so the adoption fee is minimal by comparison.
If the adoption fee feels a bit ‘steep’, then do your research and take a good hard look at your budget to ensure you can afford the long-term requirements of proper pet care.
6. Complete the adoption contract
If you’ve passed all of the above steps, the penultimate step required is to complete the adoption contract before you take your new furry or purry friend home! Adoption contracts may vary slightly from one shelter to the next, but most require your commitment to your new pet for the duration of their lifetime.
7. Home sweet home!
When you bring your new pet into your home, they may take a while to get comfortable. Give them all the love and support they need, but also give them space to get used to the sights and sounds and smells in their new surroundings. Some dogs only take a day or two to make themselves at home, while other dogs may feel disorientated for a few weeks or months. Be empathic to their needs, especially if they’ve had a difficult history.
Be their hero until they’re ready to be yours! And thank you for considering adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in South Africa?
Adoption fees are R650 for cats, R850 for dogs and R990 for puppies and kittens under 6 months old. All adopted animals are sterilized, microchipped, vaccinated and dewormed. An initial non-refundable deposit of R202 must be paid to reserve the animal and once the home check has been approved, the balance must be paid.
Is adopting a dog free?
Adoption fees can be free, relatively low or up to several hundred dollars. Many shelters and rescue groups charge steeper adoption fees for puppies, as well as for purebred dogs and small dogs.
How much is it to adopt a dog from SPCA?
Adoption fees are R800 for dogs and R650 for cats (prices are subject to change). When you apply to adopt a pet from the SPCA, you will pay a R150 non-refundable deposit, which is included in the total adoption fee.
How much are puppies in South Africa?
An average price for a puppy is around R20,000. Cape Town’s average price of a black puppy runs between R25,000 and R30,000 while Johannesburg’s average is between R30,000 and R50,000. Exotic puppies fetch considerably higher prices, particularly those found in highly prized colors.
Can I buy a dog at SPCA?
SPCAs often have purebred dogs available for adoption. Purebred or not, each dog or puppy adopted from an SPCA must be sterilized. Adoption fees vary from SPCA to SPCA depending on what is included (sterilization is ALWAYS included and is compulsory). Some include a collar and disc, others microchip identification etc.
How does the SPCA work?
The SPCA is responsible for protecting and caring for abandoned animals, preventing cruelty to animals and spreading awareness of animal care. In many rural communities where people do not have access to animal clinics, there is a problem of over-population of pets, stray animals, abuse and disease.
Do you have to pay to adopt a pet?
Although we can’t give away our dogs for free, your adoption fees cover a lot of veterinary expenses – such as microchipping and neutering – that would usually add up after buying a pet.
Is adopting a dog better than buying one?
Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet. Although many shelters and rescue groups have purebred animals, an adopted mixed-breed pet may be healthier than a purebred pet and, therefore, cost less overall.
While CWS doesn’t impose a fixed adoption fee, it’s recommended that fosterers charge between R40 – R80 so that they can care for more cats. Hence, adoption fees may be higher in cases where extensive treatment was needed.
There are a variety of ways to find a pet cat – buy a pedigree cat from a breeder; get a kitten or adult cat from a homing/rescue center, get one from a friend or neighbor or buy one from a pet shop.