Choosing a pet is only part of adoption. Before an animal leaves Randburg SPCA, the organisation checks whether the home and household can meet its needs.

Preparing your documents and discussing your circumstances with the adoption team can help you understand what is required before you commit.

Start With the Match

Randburg SPCA encourages prospective adopters to consider the animal’s energy levels, temperament, grooming needs and potential health costs.

Think beyond the space available. Your working hours, time for exercise and companionship, and budget for food, training and veterinary care all matter. Everyone sharing the home should be comfortable with the decision. 

Prepare Your Documents

Have the following ready:

• A copy of your ID.
• Proof of residential address.
• Written permission from your landlord or body corporate, where applicable.
• Veterinary and vaccination records for existing pets, as requested in the SPCA’s recent advice to prospective adopters. 

Ask reception for the full procedure before submitting your application, particularly if your living arrangements need clarification.

Existing Pets Are Part of the Process

Randburg SPCA requires existing pets to be sterilised before adoption. Its published procedure also requires a compatibility meet-and-greet at the premises when other pets are already in the household.

Arrange this with staff beforehand so they can explain which animals to bring and how the introduction will work. A compulsory home inspection is also scheduled. 

Applicants living outside Randburg SPCA’s area can still enquire. The organisation told Randburg Sun that the SPCA responsible for the applicant’s area conducts the home inspection.

What Does Adoption Cost?

The organisation currently lists:

• Adult cats: R900.
• Adult dogs: R1,000.
• Puppies and kittens: R1,100.

These fees cover sterilisation, vaccination, deworming and microchipping. Confirm the applicable fee and any inspection charge with reception before applying. 

The adoption fee is the starting expense. Regular care and unexpected veterinary treatment also need to be part of your household budget. 

Plan for Collection and Settling In

The published adoption procedure gives adopters 48 hours to collect once notified that their animal is ready. Confirm arrangements with the team rather than assuming collection happens on the application day. 

For a newly adopted dog, Randburg SPCA recommends a quiet, predictable environment, opportunities to rest and limited pressure from visitors or handling while it adjusts. Let the dog approach and explore at its own pace. 

Enquiries: Call 011 462 1610, email admin@spca-rbg.org.za, or visit the official adoption page.

The Bottom Line

Be honest with the adoption team about your routine, finances and existing pets. Those details help them find a companion whose needs you can meet for the long term.