Cape Town: Solutions for pets of the poor

There's a school of thought that says poor people shouldn't own pets. Those who think so should meet the clients of IFAW's dog and cat project in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Home to at least one million people, Khayelitsha is a sprawling mix of shantytown and low-cost, government-subsidized housing on what is known as the Cape Flats, a settlement located along the periphery of Cape Town.

Caring deeply for their pets despite economic hardship
Khayelitsha pet owners are well known for their loyalty to their pets, and for their incredibly creative ways of transporting dogs to the clinic.

Since they are not allowed to take pets on public transport, and most do not have access to private vehicles, pet owners can be seen pushing their dogs and cats in shopping trolleys, placing them in the basket of a bike or bringing them in makeshift towing devices. Of course, many pets come on a leash or are carried in their owners' arms.

Unlike other settlements around Cape Town, Khayelitsha rarely experiences incidents of intentional animal cruelty. Most people care deeply for their pets and are dedicated to ensuring that their pets receive care for injuries and vaccinations on time. But many people don't know what kind of care a pet needs, and Mdzananda's outreach staff is there to help.

One clinic, 1 million people
Most people in Khayelitsha own pets, and IFAW's clinic is the only veterinary resource available to everyone in the community. Operating a six-day-a-week, nine-to-five service, the clinic receives no financial support or help of any kind from the City of Cape Town.

Dedicated volunteers and employees come from the surrounding community, and enthusiastic local veterinary surgeons regularly donate their spare time to spay and neuter dogs and cats. Visiting veterinarians have been so moved by the work done here that some come to spend vacations working for the clinic.

All clinic services are provided free of charge, although clients are encouraged to make a small donation or contribution of some kind.

IFAW's dog and cat project has become an integral part of the Khayelitsha community. Known by its local name "Mdzananda," it is one of Cape Town's best-known animal welfare institutions.