The National Council of SPCA’s has launched the “Adoptim: A Furry Prescription” initiative aimed at promoting pet adoption.
The initiative, which began on October 10, is aimed at encouraging more awareness about the possibility of adoption as opposed to shopping, which often supports unethical breeding practices.
Every year, thousands of animals across the country are taken in by the SPCAs across the country and other animal welfare organisations.
The SPCA sees pet adoption as an act that not only provides animals with a second chance at a loving home, but also a solution to the growing issue of homeless animals.
NSPCA communications unit manager Jacques Peacock said pet adoption was an opportunity for people to be part of the solution.
“By adopting rather than shopping for a pet, you are reducing the number of homeless animals in SA. You are not only giving an animal a forever home but making a compassionate choice that will bring joy to your own life,” Peacock said.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the emotional benefits of having a pet while reminding potential adopters that pet ownership is a long-term responsibility.
Bev Rademeyer from Animal Anti Cruelty League in Gqeberha, said while they were not affiliated to the SPCA, they supported any organisation that encouraged responsible pet adoption.
“We support the NSPCA in promoting pet adoption rather than pet shopping. So many beautiful canine crosses and even pedigree dogs are sitting in kennels longing for their forever homes. We cannot stop the public from wanting to go to a pet shop or purchase a specific breed, but we can encourage and motivate the public to adopt from shelters.
“It is so much more rewarding to adopt than a shop, that a dog or cat has a history and a story we can learn from and the endurance of waiting patiently to go next is endless. Many animals give up and they start acting out through kennel stress not by choice but by their circumstances. Where shops and breeders only care about their pockets, organisations care about the welfare of the individual animal,” Rademeyer said.
The ELSPCA has outlined the correct adoption procedure on its social media pages. To adopt, one must be over the age of 18, live in an enclosed property and must have the finances and transport for vet visits.
Adoption fees are R1,500 for dogs and R1,300 for cats. Each successful adoption from an SPCA includes spaying or neutering, deworming, vaccinations, a physical exam, and an identity tag.
ID and proof of residence are required before the application is complete.
The SPCA East London has the right to approve or decline an adoption application.