Garden Route SPCA

cropped SPCA logo.jpeg
Menu
DONATE
REPORT CRUELTY

Our Adoption Process

Adoption is where second chances begin.

Looking to Adopt?

Welcoming a rescued animal into your home is a life-changing act of compassion. It means offering safety, love, and a permanent family to an animal who may never have known stability before.

Our adoption process is designed to make the best possible match between animals and families — considering lifestyle, environment, and each pet’s needs — so every adoption has the best chance of success. While the process can sometimes feel lengthy, please remember that adoption is a lifelong commitment. There is much to be done to ensure each animal begins their new chapter on the right track, healthy, safe, and set up for a lifetime of love.

3 Rules of Adoption

  • Step 1 -Meet & Connect

    Visit our kennels, spend unhurried time with the animals, and chat openly with our team about your lifestyle, family, and home environment. This first step is about building a connection — letting you see each animal’s personality while helping us guide you toward the best possible match for both you and your future pet. It’s also a chance to ask questions and start imagining how a new companion will fit into your life.

  • Step 2 – Apply

    Complete an adoption application form and provide the required documents (ID, proof of address, and landlord’s permission if you rent). This step helps us understand your household, lifestyle, and expectations in more detail. It also gives you the chance to tell us what kind of pet you’re looking for, so together we can make sure the match is right for both you and the animal.

  • Step 3 – Pre-home Check

    A trained representative will visit your home to ensure it is secure, safe, and truly suitable for the animal, at a cost of R100. We’ll check fencing, gates, shelter, and talk through what to expect when your new pet arrives. Many of our animals have been through difficult circumstances — some have known neglect, abandonment, or worse — and they deserve nothing less than the best possible start to their new life. The home check is our way of making sure they find the safety and love they’ve always deserved.

  • Step 4 – Adoption Fee

    Once approved, you’ll pay an adoption fee of R850. This fee is not just a payment — it is an investment in your pet’s future. It covers sterilisation, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip, ensuring your new companion starts life with you on the right track. The truth? It costs us more than we charge, but thanks to donors and sponsors we are able to keep the fee affordable while still giving every animal the best possible start.

  • Step 5 – Health & Veterinary Care

    Before going home, your new pet will be sterilised (if medically ready), vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. This is our promise that every animal leaves us healthier, protected, and set up for a safe future. Many of these animals have survived hardship, and they deserve only the best care before starting their new life. If your pet is too young for sterilisation, you’ll sign a sterilisation contract and return at the appropriate age to complete this vital step.

  • Step 6 – Adoption Contract & Going Home

    You’ll sign the adoption contract, receive your pet’s records, and the microchip will be registered to your details. This is the moment your new family member officially becomes yours. It’s a big step — a promise of love, safety, and care for the rest of their life. For animals who may never have known stability before, going home means finally belonging, and starting a future where they are cherished.

  • Step 7 – Post-adoption Support

    We’re here for you even after adoption. Advice, guidance, and what we call a post-home inspection are always part of our support. Expect a friendly visit from us — a simple check-in to make sure your new family member is safe, comfortable, and thriving. Think of it as us visiting an old friend and celebrating their new life with you. Many of our animals have already been let down once, and it’s our duty to make sure that never happens again. These visits give us peace of mind, give you the chance to ask questions once your pet has settled in, and most importantly, give your pet the reassurance that their second chance truly lasts a lifetime.