Behind the tail-wagging, happy pics Boksburg SPCA posts on social media when an animal is adopted is a human machine that hardly sleeps.

As they celebrate a bumper adoption month in April, manager Vicky Finnemore lets us in on the tremendous amount of care, dedication and hard work that leads to every single successful adoption.

She confirmed there were 80 re-homings in April, with 31 cats and kittens and 49 dogs and pups finding their forever families.

“The last time we hit this kind of number was a few Decembers ago when 89 animals were adopted,” said Finnemore.

Adopting is a fine-tooth-comb process, supported by a committed team of staff, committee members and volunteers – all of whom play a vital role behind the scenes.

Each applicant is thoroughly screened to ensure our animals are placed only in the most suitable, loving, and responsible homes.

“Two full-time staff members manage the admin work, a dedicated volunteer photographs all our dogs to showcase them to potential adopters, a committee member actively networks our dogs to increase their visibility, another committee member photographs and promotes our cats, and a volunteer assists with our Saturday morning meet-and-greet sessions.

“Then, there’s myself,” Finnemore said. “I assess each animal to determine whether they are ready for adoption, ensuring they are healthy, behaviourally sound, and well-prepared for their future homes.

“Many require grooming, vaccinations, deworming, and other care before being made available for adoption.”

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Finnemore attributes the increase in adoption numbers to these unsung heroes.

“Their dedication to promote our animals across social media platforms is phenomenal. In particular, the committee member responsible for photographing and networking our cats has helped triple these adoptions over the past year.

“Where we once rehomed only 10 to 15 cats a month, we rehomed an outstanding 31 cats in April alone — a testament to Anita’s commitment to increasing cat adoptions.”

For everyone involved, there is no greater reward than seeing animals leave the kennels to begin new lives in loving homes.

“Every successful adoption not only changes that animal’s life, but also helps reduce support for unethical puppy mills and backyard breeders.

“Increased adoptions also mean fewer homeless animals facing euthanasia, making every placement a meaningful victory,” Finnemore said.

Urgent needs now

• Blankets
• Puppy tinned food
• Kitten tinned food
• Soft bristle brooms
• Red top fly traps
• Navy blue overalls for our kennel staff (Sizes will be emailed to anyone wanting to donate)
• 40 litres of beige paint for inside our offices
• White printing paper
• Dog jerseys – all sizes
• Hose pipes and attachments

Get involved

There are many ways to support Boksburg SPCA – shop at or donate to their charity shop, volunteer your time, make a financial contribution, donate food, blankets, cleaning materials or uniform, follow them on Facebook (Boksburg SPCA Charity Shop) and share their adoption posts. And, of course, last but not least – get down there and find your forever furry friend today!

Contact Boksburg SPCA on 067 409 4267, 083 763 6311 or visit them in Railway Street.

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