Furry Facts: Ins and outs of almoning (medical social work)
Very often the SPCA is emotionally ‘black-mailed’ into assisting the dishonest
AMANZIMTOTI SPCA promotes responsible pet ownership, and reiterates that if someone does not have the financial means to care for an animal, they should not own pets.
To own a pet is a privilege and not a right.
The SPCA’s strict adoption policy reflects this stance, however in acceptance of the fact that we live in a developing country, the reality is that the organisation cannot dictate this policy to the public at large.
It is known that some members of the public attempt to abuse the SPCA’s almoning system, by utilising public funds intended for the underprivileged, when in fact, they can afford private veterinary fees.
(Definition of almoning: medical social work)
Very often the SPCA is emotionally ‘black-mailed’ into assisting the dishonest. This not only impacts on those animals who truly need assistance and owners who justifiably qualify, but also on the veterinary profession. Should a society refer an owner to a private veterinarian, then it is imperative that a follow-up is undertaken to ensure that the animal has received the necessary care.
It is also imperative that the SPCA ensures the type of treatment that they provide is necessary. Precious funds should rather be put toward sterilisation than pinning limbs, for example. Rule 5.5 states that a Society may not refuse to assist an injured or sick animal. The SPCA’s funds determine this assistance.
Veterinary assistance at Amanzimtoti SPCA
Amanzimtoti SPCA does not have a vet at its premises. They can help the community with veterinary consultations only in cases where owners are a pensioner, unemployed or in the low income bracket, where the income is R10,000 or less per household. As per the South African Veterinary Council, the SPCA has to abide by these rules.
New almoning prices from 1 June
- Vaccination prices – rabies, five-in-one and deworming: R400 per dog
- Rabies, four in one and deworming: R400 per cat
Almony prices for dogs
- Female spay R1,600
- Pregnant/ in season R1,985
- Male neutering R1,560
Cats
- Female spay R1,250
- Pregnant/ in season R1,550
- Male neutering R785
Euthanasia and disposal
- Cats R300
- Small dogs R400
- Large breed dogs R600
Adoptions
- Dogs R900
- Cats R700
Boarding prices
- Small dogs R55 (low season), R60 (high season)
- Medium/large R70 (low season), R75 (high season)
- Extra large and difficult dogs R90 (low season), R95 (high season)
- Cats low season – R55 (low season), R60 (high season)
An annual R35 fee is payable for new boarders and past (only if they haven’t boarded in the past year). The SPCA financial year runs from April to April.
Strays
- Stray boarders R50
- All strays leaving the SPCA have to go with a disc R50
- If your dog was ambulanced to the SPCA, a R120 fee is payable.
Things to take along to the SPCA to receive almoning:
- ID book
- Proof of address
- Three months’ bank statement/payslip
- SASSA card if you are a pensioner.
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