Mdzananda Animal Clinic

About

Vision: Companionship and community care for every animal

Mission: Enhancing well-being for animals and their community through veterinary services, education and partnerships.


The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic and shelter based in the heart of Khayelitsha township just outside Cape Town, South Africa. The impoverished township is home to an estimate of 1 million people and 300 000 companion animals.


Highly respected and supported by the people they serve, Mdzananda was founded in 1996 in response to the need to provide veterinary care to a fast growing community that had no access to help for their animals. Today the clinic serves over 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitilisation, surgery (general, orthopaedic and sterilisation), mobile clinics and an animal ambulance for sick and injured animals, primarily dogs and cats.


Apart from veterinary services Mdzananda provides shelter to abandoned or homeless pets, assists with abuse and neglect interventions and performs humane education outreach programmes. We have a strong focus on community empowerment and education and focus on understanding the community’s needs, embracing this and gaining their respect and trust.

 

Mdzananda is the only animal welfare service in Khayelitsha as we have recently taken over management of the one other animal organisation in the area (SA MAST). Without our help most animals will not have access to medical and welfare support as private care is too expensive. Animals would live lives of pain and even die.

 

It is often of the opinion that people in townships should not own pets. We have a different opinion. Anyone who visits Mdzananda has the pleasure of meeting owners who adore their animals. Lack of education and funds are what generally result in neglect, illnesses and injuries. Mdzananda works on educating the community while providing low cost veterinary services. There will always be cases of deliberate abuse in the township, however, are seeing an increase in companionship and understanding of animals. We believe this is due to our outreach services.

 

A community that loves animals is a healthy community. By looking after an animal people learn responsibility, respect for life, compassion and non-violence. These are valuable attributes which flow over into everyday life.


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