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Monday, 8 am–4:30 pm / Tuesday, 8 am–4:30 pm / Wednesday, 8 am–4:30 pm / Thursday, 8 am–4:30 pm / Friday, 8 am–4 pm / Saturday, 8 am–1 pm / Sunday, Closed
RECENT HAPPY HOMES!!
ADOPTION vs BUYING
Adoption seems to be expensive; one has to realize to keep any animal costs money, this is no different for the East London SPCA. Each animal we care for daily costs us salaries, food, water bills, electricity and maintenance. We are not here to SELL animals, but rather adopt them to homes where they will NEVER EVER have to face the trauma they faced prior to ending up with us! Therefore the strict criteria, and not ABOUT THE MONEY!
Let’s Do some Maths!
Procedure: |
East London SPCA Costs: |
Private Vet Fees: |
Adoption / Purchase Costs: | R1500 Dogs / R1300 Cats | R50 (Minimum) |
Sterilization | Included | R1500 (Minimum) |
Vaccination & Deworm | Free x 2 (Up to Date at the time of Adoption) | R650 x 3 (Minimum) |
Microchipping | Included | R450 (Minimum) |
Total | R1500 Dog / R1300 Cat | R3950 (Minimum) |
So, you want to adopt, understand that because we are a responsible rehoming organization, we have to put certain securities in place to ensure the animal goes to the best possible home!
Bring along the following:
- ID / Drivers License
- Proof of Address
- Complete the application form;
Things to keep in mind when adopting, and these are responsible concerns:
We do not rehome to (Not an exhaustive list):
- Security purposes;
- Unfenced / low fenced properties;
- Unsafe properties;
- If you can’t afford private veterinary fees;
- Animals for gifts or for someone else;
- High energy animals to low energy (elderly) homes, (We will advise on best possible animal to fit your family though)
The Adoptions Process
Once all the procedural criteria are met, we require, copy of ID and proof of address whereafter the inspector will visit to do the home inspection to check the environment to ensure adequate access to water, food and shelter as well as assess the condition of current animals.
The inspectors draft a report, if there is anything stipulated in that report, those conditions must first be met (for example, the owner needs to fix a fence or buy an additional kennel).
Of the prospective adopters that follow through with this process, we have more than a 95% success rate.
The unsuccessful applications are more often than not due to the outcome of the meet and greet. These are cases where the adopters have existing dogs who are introduced to the potential adoption to assure they are compatible. If they are not compatible we stop the process. With cats interestingly enough, we have a near 100% success rate as far as adoptions are concerned.
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Adoption Process
IMPORTANT ASPECTS FOR RESPONSIBLE GUARDIANSHIP OF COMPANION ANIMALS
The SPCA recognises that many people seek the company and emotional attachment with animals, particularly domestic animals, and encourage a bond between them. However, after adopting an animal, the guardian must act responsibly. The SPCA is opposed to the keeping of any domestic animal by persons who cannot look after them properly. Animals have little choice as to where they find themselves, and it is the owner’s responsibility and duty to ensure that they do not take on any animals that they cannot effectively and responsibly care for.
To be a responsible pet owner it is vital that:
- The decision to acquire a pet is properly considered, which includes what type of animal; the level of care; what would be suitable for the individual or family; etc.;
- The owner can comfortably afford to own a particular animal/s. This should include not only being able to feed the animal adequately, but also be able to afford annual vaccinations; and deworming, including any extra veterinary costs that may unexpectedly occur;
- The owner must have sufficient space for the animal to live a life where it is able to express normal behaviour – no chaining, caging or confining to small, unsuitable areas is acceptable;
- The owner understands and meets the behavioural and social needs of the chosen animal;
- Ensuring appropriate and reliable identification of the animal;
- Training and socialisation of the animal to ensure the development of appropriate behaviour;
- The responsible pet owner also ensures that his property has fencing or walling high enough to make certain the animal is unable to roam and ensures that any holes either in the fencing/walling (or under the fencing/walling) are effectively closed off to ensure that the animal remains on the property;
- The owner must ensure that daily access to fresh, clean water and a correct diet is available for the type, size and age of animal in his care;
- The animal must have suitable weatherproof shelter with a comfortable resting place (blanket/carpeting, etc.) that allows it to get out of reach of unsuitable weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, dust or rain;
- The animal must be sterilised at an appropriate age. Kittens and puppies can safely have the sterilisation procedure carried out between the ages of 8-12 weeks. It is not necessary for a female to have a litter before she is sterilised. This is a misleading notion that simply results in many unwanted animals being born; and
- A responsible owner will also ensure that they can afford to spend quality and adequate time with the companion animal, which may include grooming, training and exercise.
We strongly suggest that research is done to establish the cost implications with regard to food, vaccinations, monthly de-fleaing, de-worming and vets bills (pet insurance is an option). Carefully consider whether you have the time required to successfully integrate the new pet into your household and the time to spend with your pet e.g. walking, playing and training.
SPCA Adoption Policy
The SPCA is opposed to the keeping of domestic animals by those who do not have the facilities, time, financial means or level of interest to ensure optimal standards of care and husbandry for their companion animals.
The SPCA is opposed to the keeping of indigenous wild or exotic species as companion animals.
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