“We recognise animals as living beings with the right to a good quality life”
The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch was founded in 1956 with the donation of a van and the support of the Stellenbosch Animal Hospital.
The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch was founded in 1956 with the donation of a van and the support of the Stellenbosch Animal Hospital. Our organisation is a non-government, autonomous and independent not-for-profit organisation for the welfare of animals. AWSS is member-based, independent of government and industry.
For over 60 years we have persistently carried out our mission to recognise animals as living beings with the right to a good quality life. We have achieved this through veterinary care, Inspectorate (enforcing the law), education, and running a Kennel, Cattery, and a successful Adoption programme, which every year places hundreds of animals in apt and loving homes.
The Society aims to serve the community of Stellenbosch and surrounds by taking care of the community's unwanted, mistreated and neglected pets. We also advocate and promote the sterilisation of cats and dogs to curb unwanted breeding in an already overpopulated pet community. In addition we dip, vaccinate, deworm and treat illnesses of animals. Education of the local communities as a preventative measure is also a main priority for the Society.
The Society’s focus covers five crucial facets:
1. The Clinic treats sick and injured animals
The Clinic treats sick and injured animals brought to the AWSS either by the public or the Inspectorate. The Clinic is led by the Vet and a team of dedicated animal welfare assistants. No animal is ever turned away or refused treatment.
2. Animal rescue, shelter, rehabilitation and adoption facility
The animal rescue, shelter, rehabilitation and adoption facility cares for stray, surrendered, abandoned and rescued cats and dogs. Our aim is to reunite stray animals through our Lost and Found service and to find loving forever homes for the surrendered and rescued animals.
3. Opportunity to educate pet owners about responsible ownership
Every visit by AWSS to one of the many indigent areas serviced by us is also used as an opportunity to educate pet owners about responsible ownership and the benefits of having their pets sterilised.xpertise to help more animals.
4. Inspectorate investigates reports of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.
The AWSS Inspectorate investigates reports of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. All reports are attended to within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. AWSS Inspectors rescue abused animals and ensure enforcement of existing animal protection legislation & advancement of such legislation.
5. The Communications and Fundraising Department communicates the AWSS
The Communications and Fundraising Department communicates the AWSS message and ensures our vision and mission is not blurred. We have embedded the value of fundraising across the organisation, ensuring the Society’s sustainability and lifting our organisations capacity and expertise to help more animals.
Our Objectives
- Serve our community and their pets
- Prevent cruelty and the ill treatment of animals
- Encourage kindness and consideration towards animals
- Teach the community the humane treatment of animals and compassion for them
- Improve the health of animals and in turn their respective communities