Adopt, don’t shop – Tshwane SPCA
“Animals such as horses, donkeys, pigs, rabbits and many more are also available for adoption, from time to time.”
The Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA) recently urged locals to adopt animals at an animal shelter.
“Did you ever wonder why the SPCA does a property check before an animal can be adopted?” spokesperson Elsa Daniels asked.
“The reason is that the society has to ensure that their animals will get a caring, loving and the best home possible.”
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Daniels said the SPCA had “beautiful adoptable dogs and cats”, waiting for a new and loving home.
“An adoption fee is charged, to cover adoption expenses,” she said.
Daniels said there was a procedure to follow for adopting pets:
– According to the City of Tshwane Municipal Bylaws, only three dogs are allowed per household/premises. Should you already have three or more dogs, the SPCA will not be able to adopt out more dogs.
– At the time you decide to adopt a pet, please ensure that the rest of the family is in agreement, especially smaller children – they also have to come to the SPCA to meet with the new pet before adoption.
– Should you stay in a complex, a letter from the Body Corporate would be needed confirming that you are allowed to adopt a dog. The same goes if you are renting.
– When you visit the society, bring your other dogs along, for matching.
“Animals such as horses, donkeys, pigs, rabbits and many more are also available for adoption, from time to time,” she said.
People frequently ask why they had to pay a fee to adopt a pet.
“Some people are even of the opinion that they should have the pet for free, especially if they can provide a good home for the animal,” Daniels said.
ALSO READ: Tshwane SPCA warns against animal abandonment
It was SPCA policy that every animal that is adopted, should be sterilised/neutered, dewormed and microchipped for lifelong identification.
“It is also advisable to add a collar and name tag, in case your pet gets lost,” she said.
“Should you add up what it would cost you to have these things done privately, you will realise that the SPCA actually charges very little for you to adopt a pet.
She said before any person could adopt a pet from the society, a visit is first carried out, which is called a “pre-home inspection”.
“During this visit, SPCA personnel have to ensure that the property where the animal will be kept is fully enclosed and large enough for the animal,” she said.
“Should the property not be enclosed or fenced, the new pet will undoubtedly roam the streets and might be run over by a vehicle.”
She said while conducting the visit, the SPCA will also check that adequate shelter, water and food are available, and whether the new pet will get along with other pets.
The general environment of the property will also be checked, she said.
“About six to eight weeks after a pet has been adopted, the SPCA will do a post-home check, to ensure that the pet has adopted well into the new environment,” she said.
Daniels urged people to adopt rather than buying a new pet.
“There are so many animals with us that need a forever home,” she said.
ALSO READ: What to do if your pet is missing – Tshwane SPCA
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