ANIMAL welfare groups say without increased adoptions, fostering and community support, shelters will continue to face difficulties as more animals arrive while long-term residents remain behind kennel doors waiting for homes.

For some dogs and cats, the wait for a home has stretched to seven years.

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Kerry Janke of SAFE Animal and Foster Network said economic pressures, housing restrictions and misconceptions about rescue animals are contributing to fewer adoptions despite a growing number of pets needing homes.

“The rising cost of living, global market uncertainty and widespread downscaling mean many families feel unable to take on the long-term financial responsibility of a pet,” she said.

Janke said housing challenges were also playing a significant role, with many estates, complexes and rental properties limiting the number, size or breed of pets residents can keep.

As a result, shelters are becoming increasingly overcrowded.

“We have many wonderful, well-adjusted dogs who have been with us for two to three years without receiving a single adoption application,” she said.

The increase in animal abandonment and surrender requests has placed enormous pressure on shelter operations.

Janke said the organisation receives calls almost daily from people wanting to surrender pets due to financial hardship, emigration, relocation or downsizing.

With more animals entering shelters and fewer leaving through adoption, kennel space is becoming scarce.

“Every kennel occupied by a long-term resident means one less space for an animal in crisis. This limits our ability to respond to abuse, neglect and emergency situations,” she said.

Durban and Coast SPCA marketing manager Tanya Fleischer said the current economic climate has had a noticeable impact on both adoptions and donations.

“Members of the public are handing over their animals because of downsizing, moving or financial constraints. They say the cost of owning a pet is too high. Adoption numbers have dropped and food donations are at a constant all-time low,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Fleischer said the SPCA continues to prioritise animal welfare and maintains strict adoption protocols to ensure pets are placed in suitable homes for life.

She also challenged common misconceptions about shelter animals.

“Rescue animals might be seen as damaged goods. On the contrary, they are wiser, more loving and loyal because they’ve experienced more of life and know that not all humans are kind,” she said.

The growing crisis is also being felt at Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (PACT), where some dogs have spent as long as seven years waiting for a family.

PACT founder Neeri Naidoo said the organisation is battling rising operational costs and limited space as long-term residents remain unadopted.

“We are appealing to the public to open their hearts and homes. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are making space for another and that means we won’t have to turn cases away. Some of our dogs have been waiting for seven years. They deserve a chance at a family,” she said.

According to Naidoo, it costs the organisation about R60 000 a month to feed, house and provide medical care for the animals in its care.

To help improve adoption rates, PACT has launched a renewed adoption drive and hosts a monthly public walk on the Umhlanga Promenade, where potential adopters can meet dogs available for adoption and fostering.

To get in touch any of the animal welfare organisations mentioned, visit Facebook:
SAFE: Safe Foster Network
Durban and Coast SPCA: SPCA Durban
Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment (PACT): Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment

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