Book early for SPCA boarding facilities

COMMUNITY members requiring boarding facilities for their pets over the festive season are encouraged to book now, as the Empangeni SPCA facilities are already half full.

‘We are getting in a high pressure cleaner to prepare the kennels for the festive season and will complete a re-paint by Thursday, 3 December to assist the community,’ said Empangeni SPCA inspector, Debbie Cross. ‘We don’t like to turn people away, so they need to book early and ensure all pets are vaccinated. If capacity is reached, we do open our outreach block to help accommodate the numbers.’

Boarding costs are per application, and bookings can be made at 071 174 4746.

Cross told the ZO that this year’s Guy Fawkes celebrations were thankfully quiet, and the SPCA did not receive any call-outs. However, with summer approaching, she is urging pet owners to ensure their animals are safe.

‘People mustn’t take their pets with them when shopping, as car temperatures pass the comfort level and enter the danger zone very quickly,’ said Cross. ‘No heavy exercise on hot and humid days, rather move the walks to early mornings or late afternoons.’

She said to ensure pets were not kept in confined spaces, and to always keep water bowls full.

Pet owners can bring their animals for free rabies vaccinations, and buy the annual dog licence on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 November, at the empty field opposite the Zululand Observer Empangeni offices. Times are 9am to 4pm on Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Sunday.

Dog licences cost R43 for sterilised animals, and R110 for unsterilised animals, as outlined by municipal bylaws.

Anyone looking for a family pet is encouraged to get to Empangeni SPCA where they have a number of furry friends available. There are currently nine dogs, seven puppies, one goat, 18 kittens and two adult female cats up for adoption.

Adoption fees are R650 per cat and

R1 000 per dog.

For more information, contact Empangeni SPCA on 071 174 4746. For emergencies call 083 482 3866.