ADOPTION
There are lots of deserving animals at DARG who are waiting for the right home. Could you offer one of our rescued pets a home for life?
These animals have mostly been rescued from municipal pounds or from lives of cruelty and neglect, but they are still eager to give their love to you and become your companion.
Adoption costs
DARG’s adoption costs are as follows:
• R395 FOR CATS
• R495 FOR DOGS
• A SMALL DONATION FOR RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS
These adoption fees include sterilisation, vaccination, deworming and a copper identity disc. Paying for these items at a regular vet, as you would if you got a cat or dog from a pet store costs much more than the DARG adoption fee for your new companion, so you’re getting an excellent deal!
If you would like to view some of the animals that are looking for a new home, then visit our cat or dog galleries for pictures and information. Because animals being happily rehomed on a daily basis, some of the animals featured in our galleries may already have new owners. Always check to see what animals are available when you visit.
Good luck in finding your new companion!
How do I choose?
This section offers you advice to think about when choosing a new pet for you and your family. It is definitely worth browsing through these tips before making your decision.
- First, and most importantly: NEVER buy a pet on impulse. Think about it and make sure that you have the time, energy and resources necessary to provide a good home to your new companion for the rest of its life.
- The average life span of a dog is 13 years, so when you look at that cute puppy, remember that you’re going ot have to keep it healthy and happy for all that time.
- A cat, being more independent, may suit someone with a more hectic lifestyle – so if you have a busy social life and are away from home a lot, perhaps you should consider a cat as your new companion.
- Dogs and cats come in many types and sizes, all with different needs. Before you adopt a new pet you really should sit down and think about what type will suit you best.
Here are some points to consider before making your decision:
- A pet is extra responsibility. Have you thought about this properly?
- Are you allowed to keep pets? If you don’t own your home, check your lease or tenancy agreement.
- Dogs especially need a regular routine – can you offer this?
- Do you often go away for extended periods? What will happen to your pet during this time?
- Think of the additional costs – feeding, veterinary treatment and possibly kennelling fees.
- Would anyone in your home allergic to your new pet?
- Do you have the time for playing, training, grooming and feeding?
- Do you have other pets in your home? Will they get on with your new arrival?
It might also be worthwhile taking a read through our education and care sections to find out basic care information on cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, so that you will be more aware of the requirements of caring for your new pet.
One of DARG’s requirements is that adopted cats and dogs are to sleep indoors. Remember that these animals have been rescued and it is important that a mutual bond is made between you and your new pet.
We hope that these pointers have helped you make a decision on what pet you would like to adopt. To learn more about the next step of DARG’s adoption process, read on.
Adoption steps
DARG is very committed to the proper treatment of all animals both in our shelter and in ensuring that their new homes will provide them with everything they need.
Once you have selected an animal from the shelter, you complete an application form from which a home visit will be arranged. This is to see if your home is pet-ready. We check things like:
- How high is your fence? Can the dog get out?
- Where will your new pet be sleeping? You can show off your pet’s wonderful new home!
- Do you have a swimming pool? Will it be dangerous for the pet? Pools should have proper covering or fencing.
Once your home has been approved, you are free to come in and sign the adoption agreement and make payment for your new friend.
You will be given proof of vaccination, deworming and sterilisation (if the animal is over six months old), or arrangements will be made for puppies and kittens to visit our vet when they turn six months old.
Should the animal not fit into your lifestyle, DARG will happily take the pet back into the shelter for re-adoption. Refunds are only available within seven days of adoption.
We know you will have lots of love and fun with your new pal!
If you’ve seen one of our lovely animals that you want to take home, use this form to let us know who it is and kick off the adoption process.
