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2022-making do with less, and learning to breathe again. A round up from
Sr. Cindy-Lee Price, General Manager.

Outreach 2.0:

Our inspector also changed how we approached our outreach programme after engagement with the community. To avoid entitlement syndrome, and to ensure we meet our goal of assisting people who wish to be responsible by vaccinating and sterilising their pets, we offered Sophiatown outreach clients a 2vaccination/sterilisation package of R300. This was subsidised by our important trust partners, who understand the value of primary veterinary health care and responsible pet ownership in the communities we serve. We will offer this to other communities from January 2023 on a 2monthly basis.

The very important role of volunteering:

Education is about innovating and 2023 will provide us with the opportunity to restart our volunteer programme. Our Pawcademy misses the smiles and laughter of volunteers interacting with the animals in our care, while we need to dust off the books in our literacy programme for the learners to come through to read to the cats in the Freedom Village.

Digitisation:

Our online store continues to grow, and so does the reality that we need to improve our workflow through digitising other processes. The kennels will start with adoptions and the property inspection form and document upload being available on our website. Browse the animals, complete the form, upload the documents and we cut down on multiple kennel visits.

Need to apply for welfare veterinary assistance if you’re a pensioner, unemployed or low- income earner? No problem-visit our website or e-mail enquiries@aacl-jhbnb.coza for more information.

To our donors, suppliers and corporate sponsors:

Thank you for your kind generosity and support. You spoilt us with a fabulous Xmas party and fun photo booth and allowed us to let our hair down and relax. The small things like biscuits, pancakes and chocolates for our tea time, and pens, diaries and calendars for our day-to-day work means the world to us.

We partnered with a local pet supply shop who repackages our excess food which we give out to support those community members in our expanding feeding scheme.

Through your help, we have cut down on expenses, negotiated new contracts, and received amazing donations to enable us to create new income streams.

To all our clients and adopters:

Thank you for choosing to support us when there are so many deserving causes. You have all made a difference in the lives of the animals in our care and the staff who serve you.

To our staff:

We can’t do the work and serve the community without our most important asset, our staff. Thank you to each one, the EXCO and Heads of Departments, as well as the locums who have carried on regardless of cold, rain, load shedding, protest action and other things that make living in sunny South Africa interesting.

So, in 2022, we made do with less staff, less income, less power, but with great determination to breathe again and refresh. Our audit is nearly done, and we look forward to members attending our AGM in 2023, where members may consider becoming new committee members.

On behalf of the Chairman, Management, staff and animals in our care we thank everyone for their support and contributions in 2022.

We are always humbled to be able to continue our work serving the community. May kindness and compassion be our themes in 2023 and enjoy a safe and rest filled festive season and New Year.

Travelling with your pet by car

When making travel decisions, choose what is safest and most comfortable for your pet. For instance, unless you will be able to spend a lot of time with your pet during your holiday, they will probably be happier at home than tagging along on your trip. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home.

If you have decided it's best to bring your pet along, here are some tips for a safe and low-stress trip.

Do you know the best place for your dog or cat in your car?

That being said, keep the car well ventilated, making sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.

Give your pet plenty of rest stops

It is important to bring along a supply of your pets’ regular food. Don’t forget bottled water and be sure to bring any medications it may needs.

Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise, have water and potty breaks (remember to pick up after he has finished and dispose of correctly). Never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag/microchip and leash.

To make sure your pet does not get bored, provide him with a few new toys — and a couple of old favorites. You might want to include a puzzle-type toy to keep him occupied and a familiar blanket to sleep with.

Remember, you are on vacation. Traveling can be stressful, but a calm owner usually has a calm pet. Our animals pick up on our stress, so if you are nervous and uptight, your pet may show stress and anxiety, too. Don’t forget that some dogs and cats don’t enjoy traveling, and your pet may prefer to stay home with a pet sitter.

Safe travels.

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