As Johannesburg shivers through the winter months, our furry friends at local animal shelters face additional challenges. These incredible organisations dedicate themselves to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need, but winter brings a surge in demand for resources.
This article will introduce you to some fantastic Johannesburg animal shelters and provide tips on how you can support them during this crucial time. With your help, we can ensure these shelters have the resources they need to keep animals warm, healthy, and happy throughout the winter.
Pug Rescue
Pug Rescue is an animal welfare organisation based in Benoni. As the name suggests, they take in unwanted and neglected pugs (and honourary pugs) and give them love and care until they can be re-homed. So, how can you help? Sign up for their volunteer programme, make a donation or apply for a MySchool Card, it’s free!
Details: 80/1 Nielsen Road Benoni North Argicultural Holdings, Benoni | 082 449 2644 | info@pugrescue.co.za.
Paws R Us
Paws R Us rescues dogs throughout the city and cares for them at their shelter in Midrand until they find their furever homes.
As many of their dedicated followers know, they recently transitioned from our former shelter site to temporary boarding kennels in April. While this change was necessary, it’s been a difficult adjustment for our furry residents. Accustomed to the freedom of open camps and space to roam, they’re understandably stressed in a more confined environment.
Their daily walks provide some relief, but it’s simply not enough. The well-being of our dogs is our top priority, and to ensure their happiness, they urgently need to build at least three open camps or play runs at our current location. Click here to find our how you can assist.
Details: BF Kennels & Cattery, View Road, off Porcupine Park Avenue, Riversands, Fourways | 083 518 0447 | woof@pawsrus.co.za.
Saints
Saints in an animal charity shop that sells donated secondhand items and gives the proceeds to animal welfare organisations across Joburg. Help this wonderful shop help others by donating your unwanted clothing, books, homeware or trinkets to their shop. Alternatively, visit their shop in North Riding and purchase a few odds and ends or bid on exclusive items on their Facebook page.
Details: Shop 22, Northriding Square | 082 259 0905 | info@saintsshop.co.za.
Santa Cause For Paws
Santa Cause For Paws in an online shop selling beautiful customised mugs, handmade baby blankets, unique trinkets and pet treats in a bid to earn much needed funds for animal shelters. Help thousands of homeless animals in the city by purchasing some of the exquisite items on offer at the store, perfect as a gift for your loved ones.
Details: santapaws.co.za | info@santapaws.co.za.
Feed Hungry Tummies
Animal shelters are always running out of food to feed their precious dogs and cats, so make life a little easier on your local shelter and donate some pet food. This can be something as simple as dry pellets and tinned food, or you can opt for something extra special and donate treats, gravy or food bowls. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can even create a hamper filled with yummy treats, bright and colourful toys and something a little more practical, like tick and flea repellent, cat litter or shampoo.
Keep A Fur Baby Warm
If there was one thing that every shelter across the southern hemisphere could ask for right now, it would probably be blankets to help keep the animals in their care warm during the cold nights. Help out your local animal charity organisation and donate a few used blankets, towels or dog jerseys. Or if you don’t have any to spare, why not buy a few? With winter warmer specials left, right and centre, you’ll probably be able to find a few warming blankets at just about any store.
Adopt, Foster or Sponsor
Lastly, one of the best ways to help your local animal shelter stay afloat is to adopt one of the animals in their care. Adopted animals have lots of love to give and truly make the best companions. If you are unable to adopt, why not foster an animal until they find their furever home? If this is also not an option, you can choose to sponsor an animal for just a small amount, ensuring they will stay warm and fed for at least a short while.
Do you know of any other ways to help local animal charities survive the winter chill? Let us know about them in the comments section below!
