Keep Them Warm: How You Can Help SA’s Rescue Pets This Winter

As winter tightens its grip across South Africa, pet shelters and animal welfare organisations are stepping up to care for the country’s most vulnerable companions. For many rescued pets, the colder months bring added challenges — from chilly nights in kennels to food shortages in under-resourced communities.

Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

Here’s how you can lend a helping hand and spread warmth this season:

TEARS: Feed Hungry Pets Programme

Tears rescue shelters. Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

In Cape Town, TEARS Animal Rescue is fighting pet food insecurity through its impactful Feed Hungry Pets Programme. This initiative supports pet owners in low-income communities who are struggling to feed their animals — often having to choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets.

Many of these pets are well-loved but go hungry due to financial hardship. By offering supplemental feeding, TEARS helps families keep their pets at home and out of shelters, preventing heartbreaking surrenders and keeping shelter space available for animals in crisis.

You can make a difference today: Click here to donate
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep a tail wagging and a pet in a loving home.

Woodrock Animal Rescue: Warmth Beyond Blankets

Woodrock pet shelters. Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

As the Gauteng chill sets in, Woodrock Animal Rescue is reminding us that love is the warmest gift of all. While their rescues wait patiently in kennels, they dream of forever homes.

This winter, you can help by:

  • Adopting a rescue in need of warmth and companionship. Woodrock Pop-Pup adoptions continue to bring magic every weekend:

    • Parktown North Garden Shop: Saturday & Sunday, now starting a bit later and running until 2 pm.

    •  Fourways Crossing: Every Saturday, ending earlier at 12 pm.

  • Volunteering your time at their base in Hennops River Valley.

  • Donating warm items or funds.

  • Visiting the Woodrock Cat Café in Kyalami Corner for feline cuddles and hot coffee.

  • Joining their Mandela Day Celebration on 18–19 July by tying a ribbon for R67 to their Rainbow Nation Tree and spending your 67 minutes with animals.

Find out more about how you can help on their website. 

Mdzananda Animal Clinic: Wagging Winter Shoebox Drive

Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

Over in Khayelitsha, Mdzananda Animal Clinic is launching their annual Wagging Winter Shoebox Drive. It’s an easy and heartfelt way to give back:

Here’s how:

  1. Find a shoebox (or any box).

  2. Choose a pet type (puppy, kitten, dog, cat).

  3. Fill it with warm goodies (blankets, toys, food, treats).

  4. Drop it off at one of the many drop-off points around Cape Town.

Drop Spots:

  • Khayelitsha: Mdzananda Animal Clinic (21297 Govan Mbeki Road, Mandela Park)
  • Brackenfell: Diane 084 512 2921
  • Cape Town: Pet Thingz Pet Store, Lifestyle on Kloof, Kloof St
  • Cape Town: atFrits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre (117 Castle Street) 0212004244
  • Constantia & Tokai: Ann 082 414 4771
  • False Bay: Capri Village Debora 082 366 6726
  • Hout Bay: Stefanie 082 390 1670
  • Kenilworth: Kerrie-Lee 082 297 6048
  • Kirstenhof & Tokai: Tracey 071 686 0472
  • Kraaifontein: Lana 076 336 7649
  • Milnerton: Gretha 083 450 4563
  • Monte Vista: May 0832853425
  • Mowbray: Mowbray Veterinary Clinic (84 Durban Road)
  • Newlands: Larysa 082 321 3119
  • Orangezicht: Shannon 072 424 0853
  • Sea Point: Vetpoint (Corner of Clarens Road and Kloof Road)
  • Takealot Pickup Point: 62 Gabriel Rd, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7801
  • Welgemoed: Annette 083 321 7226
  • Wynberg: Hillside Veterinary Clinic (14 Bay View Road)

Too busy to pack a box? You can also sponsor a box or make a donation.

Bank Details
Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Nedbank
Current account
Branch code: 198765
Account number: 1314465147
SWIFT code: NEDSZAJJ
Reference: pupbox / kitbox / dogbox / catbox + your name

Dogtown SA: Hoodie for a Cause

Dogtown initiative. Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

Want to stay warm and support rescue dogs? Dogtown South Africa has just launched pre-orders for their 2025 winter hoodie. Not only will you be turning heads with the new design, but you’ll also be supporting shelter pets directly.

Limited stock — Pre-order your hoodie now
All proceeds go to caring for the dogs who call Dogtown home.

Pug Rescue SA: Cozy Vibes Winter Fundraiser

Pug dog rescue. Pet Shelter Initiatives this winter

In Benoni, Pug Rescue SA is hosting their Cozy Vibes Winter Fundraiser on Saturday, 5 July 2025, from 10:00 to 14:00.

Expect:

  • Cupcakes for a Cause

  • Hot soup, and glühwein

  • Book and Jumble Shop

  • Pet pampering by @meetthefluffers

  • Wrinkly Pug and Curly Tail competitions

80/1 Nielsen Road, Benoni North Agricultural Holdings
Lezelle – 074 720 1131

It’s a winter day out filled with fun, food, and fundraising for some seriously adorable pugs.

How to Help Your Nearest Pet Shelter This Winter

Even if you don’t live near the organisations listed above, you can still support a local shelter in your area. Here’s how:

  • Donate essentials: Blankets, old towels, pet food, jackets, toys, and cleaning supplies are always in demand.

  • Volunteer your time: Shelters need help with dog walking, cleaning, admin work, or simply giving animals some human interaction.

  • Fundraise locally: Host a community drive, start a collection at work, or create an online fundraiser to gather much-needed items.

  • Adopt or foster: If you have space in your heart and home, fostering or adopting can change a pet’s life — and yours.

  • Spread the word: Share posts from your local shelter on social media to help pets get seen and supported.

Tip: Visit Pets24’s Service Directory to find and contact your nearest shelter in South Africa.

This Winter, Be Their Warmth

Whether it’s through a small donation, packing a shoebox, visiting a cat café, or buying a hoodie — your support keeps animals safe, warm, and loved. Let’s come together to ensure that no rescue pet is left out in the cold.

Adopt. Donate. Visit. Volunteer. Share.
Because every paw deserves a warm place to rest.

The post Keep Them Warm: How You Can Help SA’s Rescue Pets This Winter first appeared on Pets24.



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