Boksburg SPCA wraps up the year with festive cheer, generous donors and holiday pet-care advice
From new clinic equipment to life-saving sterilisations, the Boksburg SPCA’s Christmas Cheer Fund is giving vulnerable animals hope this festive season.
As the festive season settles over Boksburg, the SPCA is finding its kennels and cattery filled not only with wagging tails, but with the generosity of a community determined to make Christmas brighter for its animals.
This year’s Christmas Cheer Fund has already gathered R20 778 in goodwill, with one young donor, 11-year-old Joshua Kelly, stealing hearts after handing over R100 of his pocket money, and challenging his peers to follow his lead.
Also Read: Donate to the Boksburg SPCA cheer fund
Launched annually on November 1, the Christmas Cheer Fund runs until early January and aims to raise R100 000 to support animals over the festive period. Donations can be made at the SPCA in Railway Street or directly to the Boksburg SPCA (Absa Bank, branch code 632005, account number 4046388139). Payments should be referenced with “Christmas Cheer” and the donor’s name or “anonymous”.
The funds raised will not only ensure full bellies and warm beds this Christmas, but also support a number of key projects: two new spay sets for the clinic; a solar system for the clinic; enrichment items for the new cattery; dry and wet food for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens; and an outreach sterilisation and treatment fund to aid animals in underprivileged areas.
Holiday operations and emergency numbers
As the festive season brings an increase in stray animals, cruelty complaints and call-outs, the SPCA reminds residents that it does not conduct outreach work during December due to extremely high caseloads.
For after-hours emergencies, including public holidays, Sundays, and weekdays after 16:00 (and Saturdays after 12:00), residents can contact 083 763 6311.
Adoptions remain open during standard operating hours, and the public is welcome to view or reserve animals.
• Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 16:00.
• Saturday: 08:30 – 12:00.
Adoption enquiries may be directed to Melanie Schoenmaker at adoptions@boksburgspca.co.za] or 071 350 1669.
However, the SPCA stresses that it does not home animals as Christmas presents. An animal, they emphasise, is a lifelong commitment and should never be given to someone who may not be prepared for the responsibility.
Festive season hours
December 16: Closed.
December 24: 08:30 – 12:30.
December 25: Closed.
December 26: Closed.
December 27: 08:30 – 12:00.
December 31:08:30 – 12:30.
January 1: Closed.
Planning to travel? Don’t forget your pets
Local SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore urged pet owners to plan carefully before going away. “All pets, not just dogs and cats, need to be cared for if you go away, this includes fish, birds, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs,” she said.
Also Read: SPCA Cheerfund: Your support went a long way
The SPCA recommends the following options:
• Boarding kennels/catteries:
A reputable kennel is often the safest choice. Ensure vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before boarding.
• Travelling with your pet (not recommended):
Vaccinations must be current. Pets should be microchipped and wear collars with ID tags. Plan for water and toilet breaks, and consult your vet about tranquillisers if necessary.
• House or pet sitters:
Check references and ensure sitters have enough food supplies, know how to secure gates, and have the owner’s vet and SPCA contact details. Make sure pets are microchipped and have ID tags.
• Home pet-care services:
Ensure your pets are visited daily. Have a backup plan in case the sitter becomes ill or unavailable.
