Save-a-Pet

Vision Statement

We envision a community with a controlled pet population where the human-animal bond is nurtured.

Mission Statement

To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome unwanted, neglected and abused dogs and cats; while im-proving the lives of companion animals in our local communities through humane education and promotion of sterilisation.

Our Values

• Learning – seeking evidence-based learning opportunities to guide improvements in all aspects of our work and best fulfil our mission.
• Ethical – maintaining high ethical standards in animal care and handling, as well as in business activities and relationships with others.
• Compassion – showing compassion towards every human and non-human animal we encounter.
• Pro-Quality of Life – providing for quality of life at the shelter, considering quality of life when making decisions regarding euthanasia and promote quality of life for all dogs and cats.
• Accountability – measuring, tracking and reporting on our work so as to deserve the trust of those we serve and donors.
• Collaboration – fostering a spirit of collaboration and cooperation with other individuals and organisations to the benefit of dogs and cats in our communities.

About Us

Save-a-Pet is a pro-life shelter situated amongst the smallholdings of Greenbushes, in Gqeberha. At our premises, we care for between 160 and 180 dogs and cats, ranging from a few weeks of age to over 10 years, who were saved from neglect, abuse and abandonment. Save-a-Pet believes that every single animal is unique and should be protected, wanted and loved by a responsible owner who appreciates sharing their home with them as an extension of the family. As a registered non-profit organisation, we are governed by a Constitution which specifies the legal position, the objects, the powers and the structure of the Society. Underlining our authenticity, we operate according to the Codes of Good Practice for South African NonProfit Organisations as recommended by the Department of Social Development.

The Founding and Growth of Save-a-Pet

Save-a-Pet had its beginnings in 1998 after Mavis Smith identified a need in Port Elizabeth for the rehabilitation of rescued dogs. She began by taking animals into her own home and providing for them out of her own pocket. The organisation was registered as an NPO on 19 May 2004. In 2005, Save-a-Pet purchased the current property in Greenbushes, which had previously been the site of the SPCA before it had closed 2 years prior. The kennels were adjusted and new kennels built to provide larger, comfortable enclosures. Over the years, various improvements have been made to the property, including three large exercise runs, a quarantine facility, a cattery with indoor and outdoor access, indoor puppy rooms and a hospital area for sick puppies or cats. As our dogs and cats remain with us until such time as they are adopted, our resources are used to provide for their physical and psychological care through comfortable shelter, nutritious food, toys, regular walks, splash pools for the water lovers, grooming, attention from staff and volunteers, annual vaccinations and veterinary care when needed. We do not have our own veterinarian on premises, but have many wonderful local veterinarians who offer us welfare rates. Save-a-Pet is also the only shelter in Gqeberha with a full-time Canine and Feline Behaviourist on staff.

Community Work and Education

One of Save-a-Pet’s policies deals with pet overpopulation – putting a stop to breeding allows us to better manage the animals who are already in existence. Save-a-Pet believes that we can make a long-term difference in the lives of animals by educating our youth. To this end we engage in a program of education at local schools, raising awareness regarding issues facing animals in our local community, as well as promoting exceptional standards of care for animals and sterilisation.

Rehoming

Rehoming of animals is a vital part of our work. The more animals that are homed, the more we can take in and help. To this end, efforts are put forth to market our animals for adoption. Our adoption process has been honed to ensure that the right pet is matched to the right home and that all potential adopters meet our strict criteria, ensuring that animals will be well cared for and safe in their new homes. Post-adoption support is provided to reduce the number of animals returned to the shelter.