Pets & wildlife Care for our furry, fishy and endangered friends

    Pets & wildlife

  • Donate pet food.
    Our furry friends don’t need fine cuisine, but they sure do love having full tummies. Pet food can be one of the biggest expenses for animal shelters. When you’re shopping next, pick up some cat or dog food. Pop by your local SPCA or FORA (Friends of Rescued Animals) shelter and drop off your donation.

  • Adopt an animal from a shelter.
    Adopt an animal – adopt a companion. He/she will love you each day, play with you when you’re sad or walk with you when you feel alone. Search for your new family member online at Adopt a Pet or Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre.

  • Take up wildlife photography.
    Are you a budding wildlife photographer? Photography is a great way to get the message around conservation and wildlife protection to the people who need to hear it. Pick an issue, get out there with your camera and share your photos to promote awareness about the issue. To get started, go on a wildlife photography course. Happy snapping!

  • Participate in a doggie walkathon.
    Shelters like FORA (Friends of Rescued Animals), 4paws and SPCA hold doggie walkathons throughout the year. Take your pooch and go for a stroll – or be dragged – whichever your beloved pet prefers. By taking part, you’ll also help raise much needed funds for these organisations.

  • Donate your unwanted books.
    If you’re in Jozi, donate your old books to the SAINTs Animal Welfare Book Sale which takes place every first and last Saturday of each month. Simply drop off your unwanted books at Northriding Square, Bellairs Drive (Checkers & Dros Centre) between 9am - 2pm. Contact Merinda at merinda@4ourpaws.org.za for more details.

  • Make a donation to protect the rhino.
    Scary fact: we are losing one rhino every 1.5 days. Wondering what you can do to stop this scourge? Help those who have the power to make a difference. Donate to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and make sure that our children and future generations have the opportunity to see and experience these magnificent mammals in the wild.

  • Sponsor a guide dog.
    The South African Guide Dog Association (SAGA) trains around 65 guide dogs each year to help the blind and visually impaired. The training, food and accommodation for the puppies costs a lot of money, most of which cannot be covered by the person who needs the dog. Sponsor a puppy (for R3,500) or sponsor a full guide dog (R10,000) and help give eyes to someone who can’t see.

  • Like the PETS facebook page.
    PETS (Pet Empowerment in Townships) helps out animals in townships and poor communities. They work with communities to improve the lives of disadvantaged animals by giving them daily meals, warm shelters, regular inoculations, sterilisations and vet care in emergencies. Like their facebook page and show your support for the great work they are doing.

  • Don’t eat endangered fish.
    Did you know that the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) has produced a list that tells you which species are legal to eat and which you should avoid to save our oceans? Get a copy of your own SASSI CARD pocket guide and make sure you only eat seafood that is not endangered. Or simply SMS 079 499 8795 with the name of the fish you want to eat and it will immediately confirm if it’s okay to eat this fish.

  • Don’t buy make-up that is tested on animals.
    Next time you pout your lips to put on lipstick, think about whether you would be happy if an animal was hurt in the process of making it. Many beauty and make-up products are tested on animals. Decide to only use those that aren’t. Buy the products of companies that don’t test on animals and boycott those who do. Find out which companies pass the test.

  • Pick up litter.
    More than 100,000 animals die every year after swallowing or becoming trapped in plastic bags. Birds and animals often mistake litter for food and swallow it causing illness and often death. Do your bit by keeping litter where it belongs – in the dustbin. Need some practice? Hone your litter picking skills with this online game.

  • Watch ‘The End of the Line’.
    Imagine a world without fish. Ecologists warn that if we go on like we have been, the world will run out of seafood by 2048. The movie ‘The End of the Line’ exposes the devastating effect overfishing is having on our oceans – and the impact it will have on us. Hire or buy the movie and make sustainable decisions for future generations.

  • Wash an orphaned dog.
    Who wants a dirty, smelly dog? Give abandoned dogs the best chance to be adopted by making them shiny and clean. Contact your local animal shelter, get some friends together and volunteer to wash dogs for a day. Bring doggie shampoo, buckets and some treats and you’ll have happy pups on your hands.

  • Report cruelty to animals.
    Animal cruelty includes a range of behaviors that are harmful to animals, from neglect to murder. If you see any animal being abused report it online or contact your local SPCA.

  • Become a foster parent.
    Yes – orphaned pets also need foster parents. If you’re the pet-loving type, you could foster an animal that’s still looking for a happy, permanent home. It is an emotional ride so it’s not for everyone, but by fostering a pet you can make more space at shelters for other neglected animals. Most shelters will supply you with food or blankets to help with the process. Contact your local shelter for more details.

  • Don’t eat meat on Mondays.
    South Africans LOVE meat. But did you know that it takes 15,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of meat from an animal who is being grain fed? Wow! Besides the enormous amount of water it takes, there are also some unscrupulous practices being done to get that steak on your plate. Take just one day a week to not eat any meat. Chris Martin of Coldplay fame, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sheryl Crow support meat free Mondays. Do you?

  • Download wildlife wallpaper for your computer.
    Inspiration is never far away when it stares back at you from your desk. Download these WWF wildlife wallpapers for your computer and be amazed every day at the wonder and beauty of nature. You’re sure to find something that inspires you to look after our planet.

  • Become a zoo tour guide.
    As more and more people move to urban cities, the population is becoming more disconnected from the natural environment. Zoos give people a glimpse of the wonder of nature outside the urban landscape and they also help work towards conservation goals. If you’ve got a valid driver’s license, consider becoming a zoo guide. If you’re in Jozi, email education@jhbzoo.org.za for more information or to apply. Or contact your local zoo and see what volunteer opportunities are available.

  • Find your inner animal.
    Are you as quiet as a mouse, as gentle spirited as a horse or as mischievous as a monkey? Answer 8 easy questions about your personality to discover your inner animal. Share your results and help WWF in their conservation efforts. Take the quiz now.

  • Don’t set off fireworks.
    Many of us know the potential dangers of fireworks, but do we realise the extent of the impact it has on animals? One such impact is that fireworks can permanently affect their sense of hearing. Some animals are so terrified that they try to escape through fences to get away from the noise – often getting killed or lost. Find out more reasons why you shouldn’t set off fireworks.

  • Report wildlife poisoning incidents.
    Wild animals in South Africa are at threat from poisoning. Animals may be poisoned by: farmers trying to deal with ‘problem’ animals or birds; people hunting birds or animals for the muti trade; or incorrect use of chemicals by workers. Poisoning is one of the leading causes of the deaths of birds of prey. Help put a stop to this practice by reporting wildlife poisoning incidents to the Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Programme of EWT at 082 802 6223 or on 011 486 1102 X208.

  • Become an African Wild Dog volunteer.
    We wouldn’t call the African wild dog a cute and cuddly canine, but it is one of the most endangered carnivores in the world with a mere 3,000 still in the wild. Become a wild dog conservation volunteer and help protect the African wild dog. Learn more or apply now.

  • Protect Great White sharks.
    The ocean’s king predator, the Great White is feared by many. While some pay to encounter this great creature (sometimes through operators who use blood and meat to lure the shark in), others hunt them for their fins that are sold in the illegal wildlife trade. Sharks need our protection. Become a volunteer with White Shark Projects and learn more about these amazing fish.

  • Donate R10 to Dogtown SA via SMS.
    It’s so easy to help shelters helping animals. Simply SMS the word DOG to 38919 to donate R10 to Dogtown SA.

  • Sign a petition against animal cruelty.
    Those that abuse animals are currently only getting a slap on the wrist for serious crimes against animals. Animals do feel pain, they do have feelings – and we need to make sure that stiffer punishments are given to these criminals. Sign a petition and use your voice to speak up for those creatures who can’t.


















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