If you are in Bloemfontein this summer, why not visit the SPCA to walk the dogs, entertain the cats, or donate some of your time on a Saturday to help them?

The community is also requested to help the SPCA during this time by following a few steps to ensure the health and safety of their own animals to reduce the number of calls the society receives.

“The most important thing to remember in the summer months is the heat,” said inspector Werner Botha. “Ensure that your animals have adequate shelter to cool off. Ensure that shelter is placed with shading that provides sufficient protection against UV rays.”

‘If the weather is too hot for you, it’s probably unbearable for your pets’

Move the kennel to a shaded part of the property or create a makeshift tent over the kennel with shade netting or even an old blanket.

If the weather is too hot for you, said Botha, it’s probably unbearable for your pets too. Animals can also sunburn and get exhausted. Keep them cool by placing their water bowls in shaded areas, especially if it’s metal.

“Ice cubes can be placed in the water bowls to keep them cooler for longer. Also, take your dogs for walks only when it’s cool early in the mornings or evenings,” said Botha.

The SPCA recently received mattresses from Quattro Properties, which will be used to transport animals in the SPCA’s care comfortably. It will also provide comfy bedding for the felines while hygiene and cleaning maintenance is conducted in the kennels.

During the summer rains and stormy weather, the animals will enjoy the mattresses, keeping them warm and dry on rainy days, and having a comfortable bed to sleep on at night, said Botha.

“We, as ever, are grateful for donations. After all, the community is the main driving force beyond our institution. We would like to thank these kind Samaritans for their donation, and we are sure our four paw inhabitants would do the same.”

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh