Mobile clinic expands organisation’s reach

The Tshwane SPCA is to enhance its veterinary outreach efforts with the acquisition of new equipment and the introduction of a mobile clinic intended to improve access to healthcare in underserved regions.

On April 16, the organisation received a sonar machine that is expected to boost its diagnostic capabilities and accommodate its increasing workload.

According to Tshwane SPCA chairperson and director, Jeanine Niemann-Greatorex, the equipment is a result of a partnership that will enable the SPCA to assist with community sterilisation and treatment programmes.

“We received the sonar machine from a generous donor. In exchange, we will assist them with community sterilisations and treatment,” she said.

Niemann-Greatorex emphasised that the sonar machine will significantly enhance the organisation’s veterinary services.

“It will greatly assist in expanding our veterinary services. It will also help our vet, Dr Tendai Chiwome, to make a better diagnosis,” she explained.

The SPCA is also preparing to launch a mobile clinic, which will start operating once the branding process is finished.

Niemann-Greatorex mentioned that the mobile unit will be crucial for outreach initiatives, especially in areas with limited access to veterinary care.

“It will be used for our outreaches and make a huge difference in assisting on the spot. Currently, when we have an outreach, we have to transport and deliver [the animals] after treatment has been done,” she said.

She added that the clinic will enable the execution of minor procedures on-site.

The outreach programme will focus on informal settlements and communities with restricted access to transportation and veterinary services, including Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, and nearby regions like Olievenhoutbosch.

“It will greatly help the community as not all [communities] have access to transport and travel arrangements to get their animals to veterinary treatments,” Greatorex explained.

She pointed out that transporting animals to and from the clinic has been a major challenge for the organisation, especially considering the rising fuel prices and limited funding.

‘With the price of fuel these days, we need to work wisely, as we are not government or municipality-funded. We are mainly reliant on public donations,” she stated.

Once operational, the mobile clinic will provide various services, such as vaccinations, sterilisation, microchipping, and general health check-ups.

“Now we will be able to, for instance, park close to a dog park, offer vaccinations and microchipping as it will be easier and accessible to the public,” she said.

Niemann-Greatorex stressed that microchipping is critical, as many pets without one are not returned to their owners.

These advancements are expected to expand the SPCA’s outreach potential and may create future job opportunities.

“It will hugely help with outreach possibilities. It will also make future employment possible,” she mentioned.

She emphasised the importance of public support for sustaining the organisation’s operations.

“Please support your local SPCA. We need to help keep our doors open for animals in need. Every single donation, whether big or small, helps tremendously,” she said.

She also shared that the SPCA covers a vast area of about 6.400 km² and uses around 150kg of dog food daily, often operating its 400 kennels at 70% to 80% capacity.

In addition, Niemann-Greatorex noted that the veterinary services now cater to exotic animals, with Dr Chiwome trained to care for species like hamsters.

As the SPCA strives to bring services closer to communities, the organisation hopes that these new resources will enhance response times and fortify long-term animal welfare across Pretoria.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel