The Emma Animal Rescue Society (Tears) is seeking volunteers who are prepared to offer temporary emergency care for shelter animals.
“The main goal of this initiative is to encourage people to become temporary emergency foster caregivers, particularly in times of natural disasters or social upheaval that might put the safety and welfare of the animals at risk,” said Tears operations manager Mandy Store.
During the recent taxi strike, protesters barricaded the entrance to Masiphumelele with burning tyres and rocks. The township is next to the Tears veterinary hospital and kennels in Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale.
“Unfortunately, the strike action made it impossible for Tears staff, living there, to come to work safely, but it also posed a potential fire risk for the property,” Ms Store said.
Those prepared to take in animals will need to complete a questionnaire.
“Fostering requires some due diligence on our side, so we’d like to have a shortlist of vetted foster families ready should it ever be necessary for us to initiate an emergency evacuation of the Tears kennel and cattery,” Ms Store said.
In April 2020, within 48 hours of the state of emergency lockdown announcement, Tears evacuated 110 dogs and 130 cats to the homes of volunteer carers.
Carolyn Dudgeon, who registered as a volunteer carer in 2021, was drawn to the cause after adopting her dog, Django, from Tears in 2019. She has provided care for nearly 80 puppies.
“I opted for fostering as my way of giving back and assisting animal welfare organisations in alleviating their burdens. It’s also about safeguarding these precious lives. While I’ve always held a strong affection for animals, I was uncertain about how I could genuinely contribute until I discovered the significance of fostering,” Ms Dudgeon said.
Inspired by Tears, Ms Dudgeon has started her own non-profit company, Paws-A-While, which promotes adoption of rescued pets and supports mass sterilisation drives and pet-care education campaigns in poor communities.
The Tears kennel and cattery is currently home to 99 dogs and puppies, and 93 cats and kittens – excluding the 32 dogs and puppies and 48 cats and kittens being looked after by volunteers.
According to Tears kennel manager Luke Kruyt, volunteers must have a property that is securely enclosed, and someone must be available to stay home with the animal during the day.
“If there are existing pets, there will be restrictions on which additional animals they can host. Also, the current pets should be friendly and easygoing,” Mr Kruyt said.
“For temporary fostering, it’s expected that caregivers will need to look after the animal for several days to a week, or until the emergency situation is resolved. Additionally, food parcels will be provided along with the animal.”
To find out more, email tears@tears.org.za with “emergency foster volunteer” in the subject line.
