Check in! Dog Hotel opens its doors
You're taking your family on vacation and you desperately need your dog to be looked after while you're away. With AACL's Dog Hotel, your dog will be looked after and you will be supporting a local organisation.
WITH external funding pools drying up, non-profit organisations have to find other ways to generate much-needed income to continue their vital work within communities.
To this end, the local Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AAC) opened its very own Dog Hotel at the weekend.
“Realistically, working within the current financial climate, it is becoming more apparent that unless animal welfare NGOs are preparing to sustain their operations to some degree for the future, there are sad times ahead for both communities and animal welfare,” said the organisation’s general manager, Judi Gibson.
With ample space at the organisation’s location at Artesia Farm in Hammarsdale, the AACL first opened a charity shop and tea garden (which is currently undergoing an expansion due to public demand) and the introduction of the luxurious Cat Hotel.
The next step for the NPO was the introduction of the dog hotel.
“The vision of a warm, welcoming and comfortable dog boarding facility with personal care and attention has eventually come to fruition,” said Judi.
“The dedicated AACL team is excited about this new addition to our operation.”
The dog hotel offers 10 spacious kennels that are fully tiled with raised beds and offers twice daily walks and piped music to enhance a calm atmosphere. The floor to roof windows were added to create a non closed-in environment.
“AACL ensures its guests a home away from home experience,” said Judi.
The money raised from this venture will help ensure its outreach work continues.
The AACL’s primary objective is sterilisation and works primarily in rural areas, townships and informal settlements.
“We do not rely on communities to bring their animals to us, but proactively venture into the field on a daily basis to seek out animals in need of our services, from sterilisation, primary health care, abandonment, neglect or abuse,” said Judi.
Since 2009, the local branch has successfully aided in the sterilisation of more than 11 000 cats and dogs.
“None of the work and achievements of AACL would have been possible without the assistance of the league’s long-standing and generous supporters,” she said.
To book your dog or cat into one of its hotels, contact Jenny on 031 736 9093.
