Save-a-Pet is an animal rescue centre situated near Greenbushes, Port Elizabeth that rescues, rehabilitates, reunites and re-homes abandoned abused, lost and stray animals. We are a non-profit making organisation. A ‘no-kill’ shelter that believes that no healthy dog should ever be destroyed and that all animals should be protected, wanted, suitably homed for life and cared for by responsible owners. We are currently caring for approximately 200 dogs (changes daily).

We want to develop our hall into an education centre and have schools visit us on a regular basis. We intend to have an informal clinic helping the poorer citizens in our area to inoculate and assist in the sterilisation of their pets. We have our own Animal Hospital which we intend will be used by our own qualified veterinarian to further assist in improving the health of the animals and thereby improving the health of the poor themselves.

Background:

Mavis Smith founded Save-a-Pet more than 12 years ago. For the 20+ years prior to that she volunteered for one of the animal welfare societies in Port Elizabeth. She was strongly opposed to the euthanasia of dogs that came there. Other organisations would not spend money or time to nurse a rescued dog back to health, but would euthenase it instead. Mavis then started rescuing these dogs herself.

Her first case was an Alsatian bitch with 12 puppies. She paid all vet bills out of her own pocket and provided food and a home for them at her own house. Soon dogs were sent to her from the various societies and vets and thus Save-a-Pet evolved.

A volunteer, J.C. Braxton offered to take care of dogs on her property in Greenbushes to help out with the growing numbers. Five years ago our dogs were poisoned on J.C.’s property – seven died. The neighbours constantly complained about the noise caused by all the dogs barking. Dr Dean Sim from the Community Veterinary Clinic then approached Scottborough Kennels, situated on the Seaview Road in Port Elizabeth, to provide a new home for all the dogs – so they were all moved there to a piece of land loaned by Mrs Moira O’Hare.

A small group of dedicated volunteers helped with the design and building of kennels and tried to raise the necessary funds. We built comfortable wire enclosures (size 10 by 3 metres per dog). These had concrete walkways along the inside of the enclosures for keeping nails short and grass in the middle. Our enclosures allowed for our dogs to have a good view of several other enclosures and other dogs.

We did not euthenase any animal unless advised to do so by the vet. Our mind-set was that every pet had a prospective owner out there somewhere, that is why we had so many dogs waiting for that perfect home. In the future we hoped to improve our current infrastructure especially for the long-timers. We also wanted to play a big part in converting the Port Elizabeth area into a ‘no-kill’ community. The community needs to be part of the solution to bring about an end to homeless animals.

Save-a-Pet purchased the old SPCA premises in Greenbushes in September 2003. The SPCA closed down about 2 years prior and the kennels had been standing vacant and had been badly vandalised. However we felt that the property had enormous potential and that it would enable us to play a larger role in the community and provide a better environment for our dogs.

There was a lot of garbage that needed to be cleared up, old papers, drips, etc. Indoors the ceilings and doors were damaged. Plumbing, electrical wiring, doors, etc, had to be replaced. We were very excited to have a flushing loo!

Reasons for Moving:

Lack of space:
At that time our current organisational structure could no longer meet our needs. We had 70 dogs sheltered on a piece of ground adjoining Scottborough Boarding kennels. Some of the problems we faced included:

No electricity:
We were unable to refrigerate dog food or medicine. We could not run a washing machine to keep blankets clean, etc. We were unable to carry out any work once it got dark. We could not install a computer, which would have made our administration more effective. We could not operate a clinic.

Operates in: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Established in: June 1998

Non-Profit Organisation Number: 031-774
Public Benefit Organisation Number:
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number:

Contact person: Dave Bath
Phone: 041 372 1780
Fax: 041 372 1780
Email:

Website: www.saveapet.co.za

Physical address: Old Cape Road, Greenbushes, Port Elizabeth
Postal address: P O Box 180, Hunter’s Retreat, Port Elizabeth, 6017