Randburg SPCA appeals for help as vet bills soar

Unpaid medical bills threaten to shut down essential veterinary services at the Randburg SPCA in Northriding.

The animal welfare organisation currently cares for 100 animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, geese and chickens. Staff nurse these animals back to health, reunite them with their owners or place them in new homes.

Funded heavily by fundraising initiatives, public donations and charity bookstore purchases, the Randburg SPCA provides vital support to underprivileged pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care. However, the current financial situation leaves this essential community service at risk of closure.

Read more: Local SPCA grateful to residents

Randburg SPCA general manager Kaylie Henderson explained that the veterinary services provided depend on each animal’s specific needs. These services range from examinations and diagnostic tests to treatment for illness or injury, wound care, pain relief, surgery, sterilisation and hospitalisation.

Henderson noted that these veterinary services are vital to ensure animals achieve the right quality of life and recover fully from injury or illness. Because veterinary care is a daily expense that varies with every arriving animal, all contributions directly sustain operations.

Henderson shared that although the Randburg SPCA’s vet continues to provide support, unpaid medical expenses have pushed this assistance to its limit. Without funding, animals face the risk of going without treatment. “Food donations make a wonderful difference and are always greatly appreciated,” Henderson said. “Alongside these contributions, financial support helps us cover veterinary treatment, transport and the dedicated staff who care for our animals each day. Both forms of support are essential to keeping our work going.”

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Beyond veterinary costs, expenses for protective clothing, waste removal and pest control also exist. “We also have salaries, electricity, water, insurance, security, telephone and administration costs, as well as repairs and maintenance to kennels, buildings and equipment. Our inspectors need fuel, maintained vehicles and equipment to investigate cruelty complaints, collect animals and respond to emergencies. Those costs are essential to reaching animals who need help beyond our premises,” she said.

According to Henderson, during the 2025/26 financial year, the Randburg SPCA admitted 3 324 animals, attending to an average of approximately 277 animals a month under its care. However, these numbers do not reflect the full reach of the organisation’s work, as staff also offer assistance through cruelty investigations, welfare inspections, outreach and assistance to owners in the community.

“We know that many households and businesses are under financial pressure, and we appreciate every person who continues to support us. Our appeal is about keeping help available for the next animal who arrives injured, abandoned or in distress.”

To donate directly to the veterinary account, visit www.spca-rbg.org.za/donate to find the banking details and use the reference ‘vet donations’.

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