About Pawsitive Animal Shelter

A registered NPO dedicated to transforming the lives of dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation and responsible rehoming.

Who We Are

Founded in 2016, Pawsitive Animal Shelter is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 123-456-NPO) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930012345) committed to animal welfare and community education. Our farm-based sanctuary provides a safe haven for up to 50 dogs at any given time. Each animal receives individualized care, medical attention, and behavioral rehabilitation to prepare them for their forever homes. We operate with complete transparency, ensuring every donation and resource is used responsibly to maximize our impact on animal welfare in our community.

Located on a peaceful farm, our shelter provides a safe environment where every dog receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, daily exercise and plenty of love. Our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each animal is physically and emotionally ready for adoption.

What We Do

Rescue & Rehabilitation

We rescue dogs from difficult situations, providing immediate medical care, nutritious food, and a safe environment for recovery. Our team works tirelessly to rehabilitate traumatized animals.

Shelter & Care

Our modern farm facility houses up to 50 dogs with spacious indoor kennels, outdoor play areas, and professional veterinary care. Every dog receives daily exercise, socialization, and enrichment activities.

Adoption Services

We carefully match dogs with suitable families through our comprehensive adoption process. Post-adoption support ensures successful transitions and lifelong placements.

Community Outreach Programs

School Education Programs

We visit local schools to educate children about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and compassion. Our interactive sessions teach kids how to safely interact with dogs and understand their needs.

Community Vaccination Drives

Free or low-cost vaccination clinics in underserved communities help prevent disease and promote pet health. We partner with local veterinarians to make essential care accessible to all.

Spay & Neuter Initiative

Our subsidized sterilization program helps control pet overpopulation and reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community. We've sterilized over 300 animals to date.

Foster Care Network

Our foster program provides temporary homes for dogs needing extra care or puppies too young for adoption. Foster families play a crucial role in socialization and rehabilitation.

Adoption Information

Our adoption process ensures the best match between dogs and their new families. Here's what to expect:

Browse Available Dogs

Visit our "Meet Our Dogs" page or come to the shelter to see which dogs are available for adoption. Our staff can help you find a dog that matches your lifestyle.

Complete Application

Fill out our adoption application form. We ask about your living situation, experience with dogs, and what you're looking for in a companion to help us make the best match.

Meet & Greet

Schedule a meeting with your chosen dog. Bring family members and any existing pets for a compatibility check. Multiple visits are encouraged.

Home Visit & Approval

A member of our team will conduct a home visit to ensure your property is safe and suitable. This is also a great time to ask questions about care and training.

Adoption Day!

Complete the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee (R800-R1,500 depending on age). All dogs are vaccinated, sterilized, dewormed, and microchipped before adoption.

Adoption Fee Includes:

Sterilization surgery
All vaccinations up to date
Microchip and registration
Deworming and flea treatment
Starter pack (food, collar, leash)

Start Your Adoption Journey

Our People

Our Staff

Our staff work tirelessly every day to ensure each animal receives exceptional care, rehabilitation and love while waiting for their forever family.

Popo Okolie

Housekeeping

Popo helps maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming shelter environment, ensuring that both the animals and visitors enjoy comfortable and hygienic facilities every day.

Derrick Doncabe

Driver / Outreach Assistant

Derrick assists with animal transportation, community outreach initiatives, and the delivery of essential supplies, helping extend the shelter's services beyond its gates.

Emmanuel Gwanda

Senior Shelter Assistant

Emmanuel oversees the daily care of the animals, supports shelter operations, and mentors fellow staff to ensure every animal receives consistent attention and compassionate care.

Sizani Khumalo

Shelter Assistant

Sizani provides daily feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and general care for the shelter's animals while helping create a safe and nurturing environment for every pet.

Leadership

Our Directors

Our Directors provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight, ensuring the organisation remains focused on its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals while serving the community.

Alan Keschner

Director (Chairperson)

Alan provides strategic leadership and governance for the organisation, guiding long-term planning, supporting shelter operations, and ensuring every decision reflects the shelter's commitment to animal welfare and community service.

Ute Schutz

Animal Welfare

Ute oversees animal welfare standards, ensuring every animal receives compassionate care, proper rehabilitation, and the highest level of wellbeing throughout their journey to adoption.

Paul Daniec

Facilities Management

Paul manages the shelter's facilities and infrastructure, ensuring the grounds remain safe, clean, and well maintained to provide a comfortable environment for both the animals and the staff.

Governance

Our Committee Members

Our committee members volunteer their expertise to guide the organisation, strengthen governance, and support the long-term success of the shelter through leadership, community engagement, and responsible stewardship.

Natalie Pope

Shelter Manager

Natalie oversees the shelter's daily operations, ensuring every animal receives quality care while coordinating staff, volunteers, and resources to maintain a safe, compassionate, and efficient environment.

Raffaella Ruttell

Treasurer

Raffaella manages the organisation's finances, overseeing budgets, financial reporting, and responsible resource allocation to support the shelter's long-term sustainability and mission.

Annette Veldsman

Outreach Programme

Annette leads community outreach initiatives, building relationships, promoting responsible pet ownership, and raising awareness about animal welfare through education and engagement programmes.

Willy van Ek

Administration

Willy manages the shelter's administrative operations, maintaining records, coordinating communications, and ensuring the organisation runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Seten Naidoo

Fundraising

Seten coordinates fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and special events, helping secure the resources needed to provide ongoing care and support for the shelter's animals.

Our Facilities

Our shelter provides a safe, comfortable environment where every rescued animal receives the care and attention they deserve.

Main Shelter Building

Our main shelter serves as the heart of our operations, providing secure accommodation, daily care, and a welcoming space where rescued animals begin their journey toward a loving forever home.

Indoor Kennels

Our indoor kennels provide clean, comfortable, and weather-protected spaces where dogs can rest safely while receiving nutritious meals, medical attention, and daily enrichment.

Farm Grounds

Our spacious farm grounds give animals the freedom to run, exercise, and socialise in a peaceful natural environment, supporting both their physical health and emotional wellbeing.