Hermanus Animal Welfare Society
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Here I am on an exquisite sunny afternoon sitting out in the garden staring at our newly adopted Kitten, Racoon. I can’t help but wonder if the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society receives the recognition they truly deserve. The adoption process was effortless, quick and without any hurdles... |
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Our family adopted a beautiful female kitten, called Racoon after our own two year old cat was abruptly taken from us by a speeding car. Raccoon, also known as Tiger or Kitty is delightful, she’s spirited with mesmerizing green eyes and an assortment of colours blanketing her body from browns, black to white. Her distinguishable trait however cannot help but tug a smile at ones lips. Her two left legs are covered in a ginger coat with stripes, while her right legs are dotted in black and all four paws covered in white socks. It was hard to actually choose a cat, because believe me there is not a shortage of animals. Which makes one sad, realizing home many are in dire need of loving homes, from young kittens, to old cats, from puppies to dogs. All shapes and sizes you name it. Corresponding with Illze Smith Chairlady and Kennel Manager I questioned her about the facilities and its animals: According to Illze there are approximately 55 dogs and 40 cats. The numbers however vary daily as animals are either brought in or adopted. Astonished at the large number of animals on site I could not help but ask how a person can become involved by with either donating or volunteering help – It turns out, The Hermanus Animal Welfare Society are always in need of volunteers. Dog volunteers can contact Caroline on 084 851 8409 to take the dogs for walks, brush them and play with puppies or young dogs. Cat volunteers can contact Gabi on 083 448 4805 to play and groom the cats and kittens. Shop volunteers can contact Sylvana on 084 610 1940. The facility currently has nine paid staff members at the kennels and one lady in the shop, therefore volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. As I have stated, the adoption process is very straightforward. If you see a dog or cat you would love to make part of your family, you venture to the kennels to meet the animal. Once you are sure that you have selected a suitable match for your family’s specifications (you cannot have a very active dog in an inactive or older household), you can apply for adoption at the office. You will have to complete some paperwork, and one of our inspectors will then conduct a home inspection. If your home inspection is passed, the adoption fee of R550 is payable. All animals that vacate the premises will be sterilized, vaccinated and dewormed (puppies and kittens will be returned to HAWS for sterilization, or a sterilization certificate is needed). The Welfare also very conveniently has lifts to Cape Town on a weekly basis, and flights can be arranged to any major airport in the country. The shelter is being run under a volunteer-based committee. Members have the opportunity to vote for the new committee every year. To become a member, you can obtain a membership form and pay the annual membership fee. Forms can be obtained from the HAWS office, 028 312 1281. Asking Illze if she has any other information she deems relevant that the readers should know about? She replied in earnest: “Hermanus Animal Welfare is a non-profit organization run by a handful of Staff and Volunteer active animal lovers. We are situated in Steenbras Street close to the Zwehihle township. Because of our location we receive and rescue many abandoned and ill-treated animals. We believe that every animal deserves the right to be healthy, fed and most importantly loved. We need your help and the help of other animal lovers. Because we are a non-profit organization with no support from the government, we are always happy to receive donations. These donations do not necessarily have to be in the form of money. You can donate food, blankets, leads, toys or if you have the time come and take one of man’s best friends for a walk – it might just end up being your best friend. Volunteers are always welcome. You can also donate 2nd hand clothes, books and other goods to the Animal Welfare Charity Shop at 18 Mitchell Street Hermanus (028 312 1800). This is one of our main income resources. We animal lovers all have the same goal – to help suffering & abused animals. Our main goal is to sterilize as many animals as possible as well as support animal owners who are presently not financially able to care for their pets. All monies raised will go towards paying for vet bills. Although all other donations are much appreciated, we do need money to pay for various overheads. Any small cash donation will contribute to make a huge difference to an animal’s welfare. If every animal lover can afford to donate R10 or even R5 a month by means of an EFT or stop order, we could generate a large income which will make our work so much easier and the lives of our animals so much better. If you decide to make a donation you can mail it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Donations of more than R1000 will receive a plaque on our Wall of Fame. Banking Details: If you are interested in our animals and willing to make a donation please contact us at 028 312 1281. To become a member at R100 a year, contact Irene Saunders 073 670 6081. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please remember that however small your donation, it will still make a large difference to an animal’s life! “ IMPORTANT message to readers: A pet is for a lifetime, not just for a birthday or Christmas. If you can not commit the next 15 – 20 years to a pet, please rethink the idea of getting one. They do get old, they do get sick, and they do need food and water. Getting a puppy means you will have an adult dog within a year. Please take care of them as if they are your children. Please sterilize your pets to prevent unwanted fights, dogs getting out and lost, and most importantly unwanted litters.” |
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