Safe Fostering Network NPC
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : k***y@s*********k.o*g.za
Mission Statement
OVERALL MISSION: To take responsibility for change! As a Pro-life Animal Rescue organization in South Africa where poverty and lack of education is directly linked to the enormous problem of animal abuse, neglect and suffering, our main objective is to Rescue and Support animals in distress directly, as well as involving different role players in the Community. To further rehabilitate animals through a network of Foster homes, and chosen veterinary practices, with the intention of Re-homing them at a suitable permanent home. SPECIFIC MISSION OBJECTIVES: 1. Animal Rescue where appropriate and required 2. Promote and organize Sterilization of Animals on a mass scale with population control as a primary outcome objective 3. Promote and organize mass vaccination drives for animals with the primary outcome objective being to reduce the spread of preventable fatal animal and human transmitted diseases (rabies being a major concern in our area of operation in kwaZulu Natal) 4. Education within the community at all levels and through different means 5. Promote Fostering as a first option with the idea of re-homing animals 6. Support poor communities with animal feeding programs and supportive items like kennels, blankets etc. 7. Network with other organizations and be part of uplifting communities to see change 8. Using opportunities to empower and encourage the youth to become involved in volunteer work and taking ownership for change 9. Creating mutually beneficial partnerships between SAFE, Corporates, Businesses and other charitable organizations to facilitate and support the change needed
About This Cause
WHO IS SAFE? SAFE is fully registered Non Profit Company AND a Public Benefit Organization (can issue Section 18a certificates for corporate donors). The best way to describe who SAFE is and why we created the organization is to speak into our identified tag line which is “taking responsibility for change”. There are three core founders, each from different backgrounds and skill sets, however we are all aligned with our core ethos which is to make a positive change not only for animals but also for our community. In founding SAFE we sat down and looked at the overwhelming statistics and the reality of the unprecedented numbers of unwanted, abandoned, and abused puppies and dogs in KZN South Africa specifically at present. We can no longer “adopt the problem” away, there are just far too many puppies and dogs needing homes, rescue centers are full, and funding and support has dwindled. We identified three key challenges that are contributing to this problem, namely: 1. Lack of Sterilization 2. Education about the care, treatment, and medical requirements of animal ownership 3. Poverty and job security We then looked at how we could take responsibility for these areas to see change and formed the three pillars that make up what SAFE does to contribute towards this change. PILLAR 1: THE BETTERMENT PROGRAM Most adult dogs that are in bad situations are unlikely to get adopted or rehomed. The reality is that the adoption rate is low, especially around mix-breed adult dogs whose backgrounds, temperaments and health are unknown. Compounding the problem is that most welfare shelters, rescue centers and foster networks are full and cannot take in any more dogs. Each situation is unique and treated as such, where there is clear abuse, an animal will be removed, however where an owner is open, willing, or needing support SAFE will step in with the aim of improving the quality of life for that animal and to educate the owner. In other words, if you simply remove the animal from the situation, they will more than likely simply be replaced, and the situation will repeat. Acknowledging that they have a place and space that can be made comfortable, safe, and suitable if the right support is given in the right circumstances is correct. The cost to remove, kennel, provide veterinary care and feed the same animal in a shelter environment will equal what it would cost to improve the animal’s quality of life where it is. THIS SUPPORT CAN INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Sterilization Vaccinations Deworming Veterinary assistance in treating conditions like mange, or wounds Shelter in the form of a kennel Bedding A monitored feeding program A fenced off area if needed (dogs are often chained due to lack of a secured area for the animal) A team will be sourced from, and assigned to an area, their function will be to monitor the animals’ conditions, ensure progress is being maintained, and to keep an open-goodwill relationship with the owner so ongoing education and change can be brought about. B. MASS STERILIZATION AND VACCINATION PROGRAM While the betterment program will ensure sterilization of every dog it encounters in that program, the mass sterilization and vaccination program aims are to tackle and reduce the problem of the astronomical numbers of unwanted and abandoned puppies and dogs across KZN and reduce the amount of fatal and in some cases human contractible diseases, such as rabies, by: a. Identifying low-income communities who have limited access to veterinary care for their animals b. Creating a targeted “grid” treatment area where efforts will be concentrated to ensure the biggest impact and change possible is realized c. Place a “census team” on the ground in advance to: *Inform the community of the place and time that the day’s treatment will take place (and requirements e.g., no food or water after a certain time for surgery etc) *Document who from the community will be coming through and with how many animals *Document other problems seen in the area (mange, TVT, malnourishment, abuse etc.) d. Through collaboration with volunteers, community stake holders, donors, other animal rescue organizations and veterinary teams this designated area will receive: *Mass sterilizations *Vaccinations *Veterinary treatment for issues outlined and prepared for through the data the census teams provide e. Lastly once the “drive” is complete a betterment team will be assigned to the area to continue the work needed to transfer skills and education as well as assist as per the guidelines stated in the betterment program. PILLAR TWO - FOSTER PROGRAM This structure deals with and serves as a lifeline for the “at risk”, abused or neglected puppies and dogs that are encountered through pillar one programs predominantly (where we can assist with requests from public and other organizations we will). FOSTER NETWORK This is a group of ordinary households who for various reasons opt to open their hearts and homes for puppies and dogs that need to be uplifted and placed in a loving home environment while a permanent solution is found for them. SAFE supports and will build on fostering as its main “solution” for rescue animals because: a. It offers the animal the best chance of future success by providing a “home environment” where SAFE hopes to place that animal in the future (around children, cats, other family pets, living in a home and being house trained, learning to be loved, touched, and played with etc.) b. Special cases such as animals requiring bottle feeding, care after veterinary treatment, psychological assistance where there has been abuse, training etc is best offered on an individual and loving basis c. A foster has the time and ability to observe and report on the animal’s character, likes and dislikes, progress and what the ideal forever home will be for that animal. This is critical in ensuring correct and accountable placements and successful adoptions d. A foster is an extra networking channel for that animal (friends, family, work colleges etc.), and help increase the chances for that animal being adopted SAFE OFFERS ITS FOSTERS *A full starter pack (bedding, food, blankets, and toys) *Before a puppy or dog is placed in foster it has a full vet check, is vaccinated, dewormed, and treated for ticks and fleas (safe to enter the fosters home even if they have animals of their own) *All ongoing or required veterinary care is provided and financially covered by SAFE *Full support, advice, training and access to a SAFE team member This type of fostering is a temporary bridge between a dog’s horrendous past and a beautiful future. PILLAR 3 - ADOPTION The obvious conclusion in the chain is to find the correct homes to match the dogs and pups being cared for through our SAFE foster Network. This is done with strict criteria, for obvious reasons, we want to see: *a pup or dog in a loving environment *and provide a family or person with the best possible match for their lifestyle and environment ALL PUPS FROM SAFE ARE *Fully vaccinated (age appropriate) *Dewormed *Treated for ticks and fleas *Microchipped *Full medical and background disclosure is given to a family or person adopting *Ongoing support and advice is always made available *Training where needed TO ADOPT FROM SAFE THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED *Application to adopt is completed and submitted *A member of SAFE will contact the person applying and talk through requirements and set up a home check, if the application screened meets criteria for adoption *A member of SAFE will conduct a full home check *Where there are other dogs or animals on the property a trained member will do introductions to see if the match is compatible and possible *If all the above is cleared, then a dog or pup will be placed in its forever home SAFE CONTINUES TO MONITOR AND SUPPORT ALL ITS DOGS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED THROUGH ITS ADOPTION PROCESS BY *Ensuring required vaccinations have been given *Requiring proof of sterilization at 6 months of age *Visiting the home from time to time *Phoning the owners and checking everything is going well PARTNERSHIP SAFE holds weekly pup and dog "meet and greets" at various animal friendly establishments and venues. SAFE partners with the establishment in advertising the event across our social media channels and benefitting the establishment who has provided the space by bringing in new foot traffic and customers. SAFE benefits by the pups and dogs needing adoption being available in one space for viewing and interaction. OTHER: SAFE approaches all requests as opportunities to support education, awareness, partnership and community involvement. We are passionate about change being part of the fiber of our communities. Where we get an opportunity to show change is not only possible but can be sustainable when all stakeholders come together we are ready for that opportunity. We hope to leave a better space and place for all animals and humans where we are fortunate to be involved.