Inside every kennel at the Tshwane SPCA’s Centurion branch is an animal waiting for warmth, comfort, and a loving home.

However, with winter settling in and temperatures continuing to drop, providing that care becomes increasingly challenging.

The organisation is calling on the community to come forward with donations, volunteer support, and financial contributions to help keep animals warm, fed, and healthy during the coldest months of the year.

According to Tshwane SPCA chairperson and director Jeanine Niemann-Greatorex, winter places significant strain on the shelter’s resources as staff work tirelessly to ensure animals remain comfortable despite the harsh conditions.

“Our kennels are open, and it’s freezing cold. Blankets, pet food, and prepaid electricity are among the shelter’s most urgent needs this winter. The clinic is also heavily reliant on electricity to operate, as are the heat lamps used in the puppy kennels,” she said.

The shelter is also seeking donations of animal jackets, blankets, and conveyor belts, which can be placed on top of pallets in kennels to prevent the cold from rising through the floors.

While the number of animals entering the shelter generally remains consistent throughout the year, she said that caring for them comes at a high cost.

Niemann-Greatorex emphasised that financial support remains one of the biggest challenges facing the organisation.

“Financial assistance is pivotal to any SPCA. We don’t get government funding and have to generate anything between R500 000 to R600 000 monthly for operational costs.”

She added that the organisation constantly struggles to raise enough money to cover critical expenses, including animal care.

Community donations play a direct role in ensuring animals receive the care they need.

Niemann-Greatorex explained that every animal entering the shelter requires veterinary attention, vaccinations, and deworming before becoming available for adoption.

She urged the community to assist in any way they can.

“We can only keep the animals we can feed. Since the Tshwane SPCA is opposed to the euthanasia of healthy animals, we urgently need your help. Not only in providing blankets and food but also in assisting financially so we can pay the staff who take care of these precious souls,” stated Niemann-Greatorex.

She also noted that adoption fees do not cover the full cost of caring for animals during their stay at the shelter.

Beyond blankets, bedding, and pet food, the SPCA is appealing for donations of working household items that can be sold through its charity shop to generate much-needed income.

For those unable to contribute financially, Niemann-Greatorex encourage to volunteer their time or support the organisation through monthly debit orders.

She also urged pet owners facing difficult circumstances not to abandon their animals.

“The shelter remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for animal intakes. Please don’t dump your animal by the side of the road or throw them over our walls. Sign them in so we can give them food and a blanket,” she said.

She encouraged pet owners who need to surrender their pets to speak to shelter staff, who may be able to assist with advice or alternatives.

“If you’re moving or facing difficult times, come and talk to us. We are here to help and assist.”

Residents, schools, businesses, and community groups can also support the shelter by organising donation drives or contributing items to the SPCA’s ongoing wishlist.

Niemann-Greatorex encouraged the public to follow the Tshwane SPCA Facebook page for updates on current needs and community initiatives.

As winter continues, she reminded residents to take extra precautions to protect their own pets from the cold.

“Keep your animals safe and warm, and be cautious with heaters around them. Animals are naturally curious and will want to smell everything, which could lead to burn injuries. Don’t let that happen.”

In addition to its shelter services, the SPCA’s clinics at both branches are now operational.

Sterilisation procedures are available on Wednesdays at the Centurion branch, while vaccinations are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Emergency cases are handled at the Waltloo branch.

Niemann-Greatorex added that the organisation’s veterinarian, Dr Tendai Chiwome, is also qualified as an exotic and wildlife veterinarian and can assist with less conventional pets.

“We are opposed to keeping animals in cages, but that shouldn’t stop you from reaching out to us with your unusual pet. Let us be your first call, not your last hopeless call. We are here to help,” she said.

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