On Saturday 12 May the Sandton SPCA’s Education Officer, Angie Jennett, led an educational “Dog Wash” Day at Pholosho Secondary School in Alexandra – an initiative that had been co-ordinated by the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots organisation. The students enjoyed the bathing demonstrations immensely and were given the opportunity to wash and groom their own dogs with expert guidance from the Sandton SPCA staff. The Sandton SPCA mobile clinic dewormed the approximately 50 dogs present, also spraying them against ticks and fleas and all the students’ dogs were further checked by the SPCA staff and treated for infections and injuries where necessary. Students were further encouraged to bring their pets to the Sandton SPCA’s premises in Marlboro to be sterilised and vaccinated. The eagerness and excitement of the students and their dogs added to the enormous success of this event.

With the recent cold and rainy weather, plus winter being around the corner, the need for blankets for the Sandton SPCA’s furry guests is increasing.
The Sandton SPCA would like to appeal to you, on behalf of the animals we care for, to continue donating blankets to the shelter.
Blankets can be dropped off at the Sandton SPCA reception area at our premises in Marlboro Gardens (by the Sandton Licensing Department). 
Office hours are 8am – 4.30pm (Monday – Friday) and 9am – 1pm (Saturdays) or arrangements can be made to collect large donations.

The best type of blanket to purchase are the thick dark grey ‘dog’ blanket variety (such as the ones that Survivor, the Sandton SPCA's surgery assistant cat, is sitting on above) - any monetary donations made towards the blanket appeal will also assist greatly.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

We are fast approaching another long weekend and many people are heading out to enjoy a well-deserved break with their loved ones. For those driving out with their pets, there are some important things to bear in mind before you embark on your road-trip.

Ford South Africa shares the following 5 safety tips that everyone should follow whenever they have their pets in the car. 


Unrestrained dogs are a safety risk, not only to themselves, but to you and other road users
1. Give your dog your mobile number: Always make sure your dog wears his ID tags while you’re riding around.  Even if you’re only driving near your home, you’ll want to be prepared in case he happens to get loose from you
2. Give them something to do: Keep your dog calm by keeping them busy. Give them their favourite toy or blanket, which will reduce the chance of them being destructive in the backseat
3.    Get them familiar with your vehicle: Get your dog accustomed to your car. A little preparation and training will go a long way to make more a more comfortable drive
4.    Stay leashed outside the car: When your dog is not in the car, make sure the leash goes on as new places can be full of exciting smells and smells to tempt even the most well behaved dog
5.  Consult your vet: Many dogs do not travel well in a car. Consider speaking with your vet about travel-sickness medication and whether it’s the right thing for your dog.

Most importantly buckle up, and that includes your dog. Restrained dogs reduce the risk of fatalities should an accident occur, so buckle up those travel harnesses.

 Travel safely!

"April 24th marks World Day for Laboratory Animals – a day to remember the millions who have been killed, and to redouble efforts to hasten the end of all animal experiments. Around the world, events will take place to mark the day."

We’re fast approaching the long weekend and many people are heading out to enjoy a well deserved break with their loved ones. For those driving out with their pets, there are some important things to bear in mind before you embark on your road trip.

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa shares the following 5 safety tips that everyone should follow whenever you have your pets in the car. 


Unrestrained dogs are a safety risk, not only to themselves, but to you and other road users

1.    Secure your pet:  Restrain your dog with a specific dog harness specially designed for travel or keep him in a well-ventilated crate. An unrestrained dog can become a deadly projectile in the event of an accident or unexpected stop on the road. You buckle up, your family buckles up, your dog buckles up.
2.    Keep the collar restraint free: To prevent injury in the case of an accident, never attach restraints to your dog’s collar. Never use a regular neck collar to restrain your dog because it could possibly cause agitation or worse strangulation.
3.    Windows up: While every dog loves the wind in his hair, road debris can cause health problems to ears and eyes and puts your dog at risk of collision with outside obstacles. The window can be used for ventilation but ensure your dog is not halfway out of it.   
4.   No dog left behind: Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially during warmer months.  Even if you leave your window open a crack, your car will still become an oven within a matter of minutes and your dog could possibly develop heatstroke and die.
5.   Carry a supply of water: Bring a supply of fresh water along for the ride. Just as at home, your dog will need to keep hydrated especially on long trips.
Travel safely!

Huge thanks to everyone who made the inaugural SPCA/Hill's MuttWalk such a resounding success yesterday (Sunday 25 March)!  623 walkers and 396 dogs (not to mention 180 dog balloons) enjoyed a fun morning out in beautiful surroundings.  More photos and details will follow but we just wanted to give you this 'teaser'.

If you haven't yet registered for the inaugural SPCA/Hill's MuttWalk you have 8 days left to get your entry in!  Enjoy a fun morning out with your family, friends and canine companions and all in aid of a good cause!  The first 1 000 human entrants will receive a 'doggie' (goodie) bag from Hill's, all dog entrants will receive a MuttWalk bandana and there will be lucky draw prizes during the morning.  The full walk is 5km long but with options to do shorter routes.  We thank all our wonderful sponsors who  have come on board including Hill's Pet Nutrition (the title sponsor), Currin't Events, Hollard, Altron, Raz, Ebony & Ivory, Jack's Paint, Waltons and Engen.  Last but not least thanks to MyPlanet who will be donating R 10 for every dog entry and AnimalTalk who have given free airtime to advertise the SPCA/Hill's MuttWalk and will be providing copies of AnimalTalk magazine at the event.