Brakpan SPCA stresses vet care is pet owner’s responsibility

The Brakpan SPCA reminds the community that it does not employ an on-site veterinarian and relies on private veterinary facilities.

As a result, the society is unable to provide veterinary care, and pet owners are implored to promptly seek veterinary assistance by taking their ailing animals directly to the nearest veterinary clinic.

“We make use of private veterinarians for animals that are in the pound and stray animals that come in that may be injured, but the use of a veterinarian through the SPCA is not an option,” said Brakpan SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard.

She told the Brakpan Herald the society has recently experienced an influx of pet owners seeking veterinary treatment at the SPCA.

“It is a problem at the moment. We are getting a large amount of people coming in with injured or sick pets, with totally avoidable diseases and illnesses, but people aren’t doing even the basics,” she said.

Lombard urged pet owners to budget or save money for vet visits or get pet medical insurance if possible, for unforeseen events such as accidents.

“We understand these things happen but not having a vet at the SPCA means that we have to carry those costs and unfortunately people don’t pay their bills,” she said.

“We really sympathise with the public regarding their sick or injured animals, but it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that the animal gets the necessary treatment.”

Lombard also stressed that the SPCA condemns the practice of home remedies when dealing with sick animals.

“If your animal is sick, it needs a veterinarian,” continued Lombard.

“When it comes to chronic illnesses, there are a lot of things you can do to avoid those types of illnesses, such as sticking to vaccination protocols, ensuring that your animal is on a good food, regular grooming and tick and flea control.

“A lot of accidents are also preventable. When animals are getting out of their yards, which is happening more frequently at the moment, they’re getting hit by cars or injured by people, and all of this can be avoided if you ensure your animal is safe in the confines of your yard.

“While we want to help, we really do, the SPCA cannot carry those costs. It will financially cripple the SPCA and then we cannot assist the animals coming through our doors.

“We just need people to realise we want to help, but we are limited as well. We want residents to start becoming more responsible and ensure they are planning ahead with their animals.

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“We are, however, always there for the worst case scenario to assist the animal, and obviously to send them over the rainbow bridge (euthanasia) if that is the request of the owner. We are always there to assist without prejudice.”

There are three veterinary clinics in the Brakpan area and Lombard urged pet owners to familiarise themselves with the local vets.

“All three of them, from the SPCA’s side, are very helpful, very supportive and take really good care of their patients and owners,” she said.

“We really want to emphasise that people should establish relationships with their local vets, know what their working hours are, and plan. And speak freely with their veterinarian on what would happen if there’s an emergency, such as who to contact.

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“At the end of the day, these are professional people that offer a service to help animals, and unfortunately that does come with a cost. And just like with doctors, who we pay when we’re sick, we pay a consultation fee and get our medicine.

“Some of us have medical aid, some of us don’t, but when it comes to pets, your only option is a veterinarian and unfortunately there isn’t an option of a government-run clinic where you can go and get help, so you need to be prepared – put money away, get pet insurance and minimise the amount of pets you have if you are not financially stable to address an emergency situation if one arises.”

Lombard also suggested pet owners contact their local veterinarian for advice on pet medical aids.

The veterinary clinics in Brakpan and their contact details are:
• Dalvet Animal Clinic: 011 740 5441

• Sherwood Gardens Veterinary Clinic: 011 744 4668

• St Francis Animal Clinic: 011 915 5613.