SPCA Tshwane open in lockdown level 3
SPCA visitors are urged to make an appointment first before going to the premises.
The SPCA Tshwane is now offering all services to the public during level 3 of the national lockdown.
However, visitors should make an appointment first, said Waltloo branch general manager Dewald Wahlstrand.
“The public can now make use of all our services,” he said. SPCA Tshwane has two branches located at Waltloo and Centurion.
While the branch was now fully operational by appointment, Wahlstrand said they were still in need of donations.
He said the SPCA was not government-funded and, therefore, solely relied on the goodwill of the public for support.
Donations can be done securely online at https://spcapta.org.za/donate-now/.
Users should then select COVID-19 support. Payments can also be made directly into the SPCA Tshwane bank account. There were also other ways to support the society during this time:- Remember the SPCA Tshwane charity shop during lockdown – clear out all your unwanted clothes, furniture, books, paintings, household goods and appliances to keep aside for them.
The charity shops and markets are an important source of income and will reopen after the lockdown period.
– Sponsor a kennel – for as little as R200 a month, you can sponsor a kennel and share your love with a special dog or cat. Your support will provide food, shelter and primary health care for your animal, for an entire month.
As Pretoria and Centurion entered winter and temperatures plunged, SPCA Tshwane also shared safety tips to the public for the protection of animals during this time.
“Also remember that companion animals aren’t the only animals in need of protection during the winter months. Livestock, including horses and donkeys, have their own unique considerations and needs when the weather gets cold,” SPCA said.
Here are some general tips to pet owners:
– Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Kennel Cough and the normal 5 in 1 vaccine as cold air into the lungs will predispose them to getting bronchitis.
– Cold weather will exacerbate arthritis in all joints and this will be evident by your pet getting up slowly after lying down for a while, not being able to jump on couches and beds and struggling to walk up the stairs. Please consult your veterinarian if you think your pet has arthritis as it is a painful condition that can be treated by a veterinarian.
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– Gauteng can get very cold at night in the winter and all animals should have access to proper shelter. All animals regardless of breed younger than one year of age, should be inside a house at night. Breeds with thick coats such as Huskies, St Bernard, Chows and German Shepherd dogs might prefer to stay outside during the night but they should always have the option to come inside if they want to. Small breeds with short hair such as Yorkies, Pekingese, Doberman Pinchers and Toy Poms should definitely be protected from the cold.
– Even though the animals are inside a house at night the floor might be very cold so it?s a good idea to put a couple of newspapers under the dog’s blanket to insulate against the cold.
– Make sure that your cat has a clean litter box that is inside the house because if it?s too cold cats won’t go outside to use a litter box and this could lead to bladder infections.
– In a multi-cat household there should always be one more litter box than the number of cats in the house and the litter boxes should be in different rooms and not close to the cat food as cats are very territorial and can feel threatened if all the litter boxes are in the same place.
– Wooden dog kennels can be insulated by nailing carpet pieces to the floor and insides of the kennel.
– If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat.
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– Chances are good that your pets will be spending more time inside during the winter, therefore, make sure that your house is properly pet-proofed. Use heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn, or they can be knocked over.
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