WAG aims to improve the lives of small animals, primarily dogs and cats, in the Wakkerstroom area by educating their owners and offering animal care advice and support. To this end, Inoculation Campaigns are held every 3 to 4 months, to immunise dogs against some of the deadly diseases.
The NPO is staffed by volunteers, led by Bronwen Davidson, and has one paid part time Field Work Assistant.
WAG also has a Shelter comprising 5 kennels situated at 83 Church Str Wakkerstroom. The Vet, Dr Gin Watson, also has a part time consulting room at these premises. It must be noted that we are NOT a dumping ground for unwanted animals. Where owners need to rehome dogs, we do our utmost to place them without them having to be housed in the kennels. From time to time dogs have to be removed from their owners, and they are then kept at our kennels whilst we try and rehome them. Sick and injured dogs are also cared for at our kennels.
Over the last 14 years, over 500 dogs and cats have been sterilised and over 1 000 inoculations have been administered. On a weekly basis, over 300 pet owners are assisted with direct support to about 1 000 animals.
Services:
- Education of owners
- Ensuring all animals have fresh water
- Checking that all animals have shelters
- Feeding all known animals on daily rounds
- Assisting with animal shelter by way of Kennel Loans
- Minor medical assistance on site
- Dispensing of medicine for minor ailments
- Collection of sick animals and taking them to the Vet
- Supply of Tick and Flea medication
- Sterilisation of animals
- Inoculation Drives (not Rabies, which the State Vet does)
- Supply of blankets and cushions
- Supply of collars and leads, and food and water bowls
Costs are mainly in respect of Veterinary Costs, as volunteers largely cover all of their own costs for field work. Dog food, leads, collars, kennels and blankets are donated by the public from time to time, and these donations are distributed by WAG. WAG relies solely on donations and fund raising activities as a source of income.
URGENT APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC
Do NOT pick up dogs which YOU think are lost! Most local dogs roam freely, often very far away from their homes. They are seldom lost and know exactly how to get home. Well meaning visitors to town often contact us over weekends and holidays about “lost” dogs, which are very definitely not lost.
