It's not raining cats and dogs in Cape Town — just dogs
It's not raining cats and dogs in Cape Town — just dogs. Lots and lots of dogs.
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Cape Town may still be waiting for more winter rain, but TEARS Animal Rescue is experiencing a deluge of a different kind. The shelter currently has 109 dogs in their care — 45 puppies and 64 adult dogs — all available for adoption. While being just nine dogs over our usual capacity of 100 may not sound significant, the reality is that every kennel is full. Every space is occupied. Every new arrival means another difficult decision about where we can safely house an animal in need.
Adoption is more urgent than ever. Every dog that leaves for a loving home creates space for another life to be saved. Right now, we need our community to open their hearts and help us turn full kennels into second chances.
The littlies are a real surprise. Puppy season traditionally peaks in summer, but a combination of low sterilisation rates and a lack of awareness among pet owners means TEARS is fielding litters it simply wasn't expecting in the middle of winter.
With school holidays running until 21 July, there's still time to welcome a new dog into your family while the kids are home. A rambunctious puppy and a child with surplus energy are a perfect match. For the dog, it means a warm landing: oodles of attention, fast bonding, and someone who is always around during those crucial first weeks of settling in. For the child, it's an early lesson in empathy and responsibility coupled with the uncomplicated joy of a dog’s unconditional love.
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But it's not just puppies who need homes. TEARS' 64 adult dogs are every bit as deserving. For families with younger children or adults who prefer a quieter household, they’re often an easier fit. Generally calmer and past the shoe-chewing phase, these doggos are just as ready to love and be loved.
For the shelter, every adoption counts double in winter. It's consistently the slowest season for pet adoptions across Cape Town. With the number of animals coming through the door remaining stubbornly high, TEARS' kennels are full to bursting. Every dog that moves into a foster or forever home frees up space and resources for the next animal in need.
You don't have to be ready to adopt permanently. Fostering is a no-strings solution that serves a vital purpose, while giving you the opportunity to enjoy an enthusiastic and rewarding houseguest. You provide the home and TEARS provides everything your temporary family member needs. Whether it's for two weeks or two months, it makes a real difference.
To adopt or foster, visit: https://tears.org.za/adopt-a-dog/ or https://tears.org.za/adopt-a-dog/dog-foster-application/
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About TEARS Animal Rescue
TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society) is a registered non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, dedicated to the rescue, treating, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned and abused animals.
Through medical assistance, humane education, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, TEARS works to end pet homelessness, neglect and abuse across the communities it serves, powered by individual and corporate support, and partnerships with fellow animal welfare organisations.
TEARS website: www.tears.org.za
TEARS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TEARSAnimalRescue/
TEARS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tearsanimalrescue/?hl=en.
