Pet Community Outreach driven to help community vaccinate and sterilise pets
They also educate children in book form about pet care, love for their pets and responsible pet ownership.
Since the sterilisation and vaccination drive on May 18 at the Pet and Pool shop in Boksburg things have been moving fast.
Ria Minnaar, the manager of Pet and Pool and Lori-Kay Erasmus from LK Consulting knew that something had to be done to assist the community to prevent unwanted litter of pets from ending up in front of her shop.
Pet Community Outreach (PCO) was then established in 2019 by like-minded people who started a movement to enable pet owners and communities that cannot afford the services of a private vet to vaccinate and sterilise their pets, as well as to educate themselves and their children about primary healthcare of pets.
This enriches the lives of the children, especially at an ECD level. It also has a literacy value and encourages reading, which is much needed in all communities and societies.
“We have already started arranging to go to schools and talk to youngsters about caring for animals,” said Ria.
On August 10 another drive was held and 180 animals were sterilised and 340 were vaccinated. Office space was donated by Sandoz Novartis in Spartan, Kempton Park.
“People need to understand the importance of sterilisation. Due to economic hardships, more and more animals are ending up at the SPCA. Not every animal can find their forever home, which means some of them have to be euthanised,” said Ria.
“PCO wants to thank all the doctors and students from Onderstepoort, Unisa and DAFF Vets that give so selflessly to assist the community that can’t afford these services
“PCO plans to have at least two more before the year ends but needs the support of the public and businesses with donations.”
She said it would be appreciated if the public makes donations at their FNB Business account.
Account number: 62816089462 branch code: 251345.
“The public can also support our fund-raising initiatives on our Facebook page, https://m.facebook.com/petcommunityoutreach/
“By making a small contribution you can stand a chance to win one of our listed hampers.”
She added that PCO would like to thank all its sponsors for their contribution to the hampers.
Ria may be contacted on 011 823 6132 for more information.
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