SPCA will under circumstances help owners with pet’s medical treatment
Pet owners are requested to complete an almoning form and this form asks questions such as the person’s income as well as their expenditure.
An almoning system is when a pet owner is unable to financially afford to have their animal treated (medically or sterilised) at a private veterinarian and seeks assistance for this to be carried out at the SPCA at a reduced rate.
Boksburg SPCA manager Maggie Mudd sheds light on the system.
Why can the SPCA not just assist pet owners?
Because the SPCA is not the vet, our function is the prevention of cruelty to animals and we will not take away clients (who can afford to use a private veterinarian) from utilising their own vets.
This would be extremely unfair to the vets and the Boksburg SPCA works hard at maintaining a good working relationship and understanding with all our local veterinary practices.
When will I know if I qualify under the system?
Pet owners completing the form at the SPCA will be advised immediately if they qualify or not.
What will happen then?
Pet owners who qualify for a reduced rate at the SPCA will then be given a price for the procedure to be carried out as well as a date when to bring the animal into the SPCA.
Who would qualify under the Almoning System?
People who are unemployed, possibly have been retrenched, pensioners or students, all of these people usually qualify under this system.
What type of things can the SPCA assist me with the system?
We can assist with the sterilising of cats and dog, with the medical treatment of sick or injured animals and with the vaccination and deworming of cats and dogs (Please note – only animals that have already been sterilised will be vaccinated at the Boksburg SPCA).
What is the Boksburg SPCA’s stance?
We promote responsible pet ownership and firmly believe that if a person does not have sufficient financial means to care for their pet/s that they actually should not own an animal.
To do so is a privilege and not simply a right. However, we also understand that we are living in a developing country and the reality is that many people do own animals that they cannot afford to care for correctly.
By that, we mean to ensure that these animals are vaccinated to prevent them from getting sick, have their pets sterilised to prevent unwanted litters or have their pets medically treated when they fall sick or get injured. The SPCA Almoning System is there to help us to help these owners.
ALSO READ: Boksburg SPCA will offer ‘help’ with pet sterilisation, vaccination
Follow us:
