Adopt ! Don’t shop

What animals are up for adoption?

- Motherless puppies and kittens

We get several calls of puppies and kittens who have lost their mother due to illness, accidents and cruelty. In such situations, it is almost impossible for the young ones to survive. This is where we step in to try and give them the best chance at a healthy and long life. Motherless pups and kittens are shifted to a foster home where they are nurtured before being put up for adoption.

- Relocated animals

One of the realities we work with is the tendency of people to pick up animals and drop them off at a random location. We hope improved animal laws will bring an end to such actions but we cannot wait until that day. In such cases, we secure the animal and look for a home, a better home than he had before. In certain cases, adoption chances are less. For such animals, we try to settle them where they were dropped by getting them vaccinated, sterilised and appointing a daily feeder to provide them with nutritious meals.

- Surrendered animals

“If you don’t take our dog, we will drop him off on the outskirts.”

This is just one example of threats we receive on a daily basis. It becomes so easy to blame and shout at the caller, but we try and think of things from the animal’s perspective. The dog has done no wrong and deserves better. We assist in adoptions for such animals, although we need a lot of help from the families.

What animals should not be up for adoption?

- Street animals who have been well settled

These dogs and cats are happy with their existence and would not do well in the confines of a home. As long as they get food, shelter and medication when needed, street animals are quite happy on the street.

- Young ones with their mother

The best caregiver for any young pup or kitten is their mother! We don’t intend to replace the mother if she is around. We ensure we sterilise the mother later on but these babies stay with her unless:
a) The area has no feeder
b) There is heavy traffic
c) The area is notorious for cruelty

How does the adoption process work?

When a family is interested in adopting a pet, we follow a strict protocol to guide the family and ensure that they are fit to keep a pet. It is also important to find the right pet and educate families on what is required in raising a pet at home.

We encourage people who have never had pets to sign up to become fosters. By fostering, families can gain experience and make an informed decision on adoption.

Other things to consider?

Finances also play an important part in adoption. Keeping a pet at home comes with a cost - food, medical aid, vaccinations, toys, etc. Sometimes, an adopter would need to hire a dog walker, trainer or leave their pet with a hostel when travelling. All of these are expenses which a family should be aware of BEFORE they decide to adopt.

At KAWA we guide the family with everything they need to do to welcome a pet home. From puppy proofing to diet, our volunteers are there for the new families.