In South Africa there are SPCAs and pet rescue centres overflowing with dogs and cats (and other domestic animals) all needing to find their forever homes. The need for pet adoption is overwhelming, so fortunately the adoption process is not that challenging. There may be slight variations to the adoption process, so check with the specific organisation you want to adopt from, but most pet adoptions go like this:
1. Find the right pet
Did you know that adopting from the SPCA or any animal rescue organisation doesn’t mean only adopting mutts and pavement specials? You may be surprised to find quite a number of purebred dogs and fine felines there too. But no matter your preference, you will need to visit the kennels and catteries in person. While there are plenty of online resources where you can view dogs, cats and other pets that are up for adoption, you do need to show up and meet your chosen one (or two) in the flesh.
2. Apply for adoption
Once your heart has been properly melted by the right furry face, you will need to fill in an adoption application form. Along with the application, you will need to supply a copy of your ID book/smartcard/drivers licence. Some organisations require a proof of residence too, so make sure you meet all the requirements and have all the forms ready. If you’re a tenant, you will need to provide written proof of your landlord’s permission for you to get a new pet. And if you live in a sectional title property, you will need permission from your body corporate to prove that pets are allowed in your complex or estate. All of this is to ensure that the adoption ‘sticks’ and the future of your new pet’s wellbeing is secure and forever.
Depending on the organisation or SPCA, the following two steps may be switched around:
3. Bring your other pets (and kids) for a meet-and-greet
If you are already a pet parent, you are urged to bring your other pets to meet your new potential adoptee. Similarly, if you’re the human parent of other small humans, they should get to meet your new pet before you bring him or her home. It’s unfair to try to throw a new pet in the mix and expect everyone to just get along, especially if the history of the pet you want to adopt is unknown. Some organisations work with animal behaviourists who will be able to facilitate the meet and greet, but otherwise you should be able to gauge your pets’ response to their soon-to-be new brother or sister.
4. Be ready for a home check
All organisations and SPCAs perform a home check to check the suitability of your home and yard for a new pet. They will ensure that your perimeter wall or fence is high enough to contain your new dog; that there is adequate outdoor shelter and indoor space; and if you have other pets, that there is enough space for all the pets together. The inspectors will also check the condition of your other pets to ascertain your suitability for a new pet addition – the wellbeing of animals is their top priority!
5. Pay the adoption fee
At the start of the administrative process of adoption, you may be charged a non-refundable deposit, which counts towards the total adoption fee. This is to cover the time and effort that goes into starting the adoption process. Adoption fees vary from one place to the next, but could be anywhere between R500 and R1200 per animal.
“But if the kennels are overflowing, why don’t they give the animals away for free?”
The animal is free – it’s the administrative and medical costs that need to be covered. When you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter or SPCA, the relevant organisation will not release him or her from their care without deworming, immunisation, microchipping and sterilisation being done. These procedures done at a private vet can cost well over R2500 in total, so the adoption fee is minimal by comparison.
If the adoption fee feels a bit ‘steep’, then do your research and take a good hard look at your budget to ensure you can afford the long-term requirements of proper pet care.
6. Complete the adoption contract
If you’ve passed all of the above steps, the penultimate step required is to complete the adoption contract before you take your new furry or purry friend home! Adoption contracts may vary slightly from one shelter to the next, but most require your commitment to your new pet for the duration of their lifetime.
7. Home sweet home!
When you bring your new pet into your home, they may take a while to get comfortable. Give them all the love and support they need, but also give them space to get used to the sights and sounds and smells in their new surroundings. Some dogs only take a day or two to make themselves at home, while other dogs may feel disorientated for a few weeks or months. Be empathic to their needs, especially if they’ve had a difficult history.
Be their hero until they’re ready to be yours! And thank you for considering adoption.
