Volunteering with animals is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
In Cape Town, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer with animals, whether it’s helping to care for abandoned pets, rehabilitating rescued wildlife or protecting endangered bird species.
From well-known animal welfare organisations to small non-profits, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are some of the opportunities:
1. SPCA Cape of Good Hope
The SPCA Cape of Good Hope is the oldest animal welfare organisation in South Africa, having been established in 1872. The SPCA works to prevent animal cruelty, promote animal welfare and provide care and shelter for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.
The organisation provides a range of services, including animal rescue, rehabilitation and adoption. It has a veterinary clinic that provides affordable veterinary care to animals in need, as well as an animal ambulance service that responds to emergencies involving animals.
In addition to these core services, the SPCA Cape of Good Hope also has an active volunteer programme. Volunteers can assist with a range of tasks, including dog walking, cleaning and helping with events. The organisation relies heavily on volunteers to help with day-to-day operations and to support its mission of promoting animal welfare.
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting its work, visit the website to learn more.
2. Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG)
DARG, or the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, is a non-profit animal shelter located in Hout Bay. The organisation was founded in 1999 and has since rescued and rehabilitated thousands of cats and dogs in the area.
DARG’s mission is to rescue and care for abused, abandoned and neglected animals, and to find them loving homes. The organisation has a no-kill policy, which means that no animal is ever euthanised unless it’s in the animal’s best interest.
The organisation provides a range of services to animals in need, including veterinary care, rehabilitation and socialisation. It also has a foster programme, where animals are placed in temporary homes until they’re ready for adoption.
Volunteers can assist with tasks such as animal care, fundraising and events, including a ‘dog walking club’ programme. If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting its cause, visit the website to learn more.
Also read: Volunteer at Greyton Farm Sanctuary, for the animals and your soul
3. TEARS Animal Rescue
TEARS Animal Rescue is a non-profit organisation founded with the mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need.
TEARS’ services to animals include veterinary care, rehabilitation and behaviour modification. The organisation takes in dogs and cats that have been abandoned, abused or neglected, and works to socialise them and prepare them for adoption.
In addition to the animal care services, TEARS also runs educational programmes to promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Its team also works with local communities to provide affordable veterinary care to pets in need.
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting the cause, visit the website to learn more.
4. SANCCOB
SANCCOB, which stands for South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, is an NPO that rescues, rehabilitates and releases seabirds that have been injured or affected by human activities such as oil spills and pollution.
SANCCOB is a leader in seabird rehabilitation and conservation, and has been instrumental in the recovery of several threatened and endangered seabird species. The organisation’s main focus is on African penguins, which are classified as an endangered species.
Volunteers can assist with tasks such as feeding and caring for birds, cleaning enclosures and assisting with rehabilitation efforts. The organisation also offers internships and training programmes for those interested in pursuing a career in conservation.
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting SANCOB’s work, visit the website to learn more.
5. Tom Ro Haven
Tom Ro Haven works to rescue and rehabilitate horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned. The NPO provides veterinary care, nutrition and rehabilitation to restore the health and well-being of the horses it rescues.
In addition to the animal care services, Tom Ro Haven also runs educational programmes to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote responsible horse ownership. It offers riding lessons and other activities to generate income to support rescue efforts.
Volunteers can help out with horse care, grooming and feeding. The NPO also has a ‘sponsor a horse’ programme, where individuals can provide financial support to a specific horse in need.
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting its work, visit the website to learn more.
Also read:
Do it for The Dogs! How thrifting is saving countless animals’ lives
Picture: Tom Ro Haven