WANT TO ADOPT?

Adopting from a shelter has so many benefits

- NICI DE WET

‘ADOPT, don’t shop” is a mantra often bandied about – and with good reason. With shelters in SA bursting at the seams with unwanted animals – many of them young and healthy – it makes sense to offer them a forever home if you’re in the market for a pet.

“In many cases animals that are bred purely for profit are often sick and can be behaviourally troubled based on the trauma they’ve experienced in less than ideal conditions,” says Belinda Abraham, a spokesperson for the SPCA.

“When you adopt a pet you can take comfort in knowing that you haven’t invested a cent towards perpetuating the cycle of cruelty and abuse which often accompanies the live pet trade.”

When it comes to adoption, most animal rescue organisations are highly organised with much care taken to ensure each animal is given a good home. Here’s what you need to know.

1 FINDING THE RIGHT PET

Most organisations have informative websites and social media pages that show photos of the dogs and cats up for adoption. You can also visit them at their premises. Many also have pop-ups, for example at markets, nurseries or shopping malls where you can go and see the animals up for adoption.