4Paws has welcomed a new manager, Jennifer Austin, and she outlines the work being done by the organisation that spans 26 Gauteng townships.
Gauteng, South Africa (07 August 2023) – 4Paws has spent nearly the last two decades working in Gauteng townships, serving the communities through animal welfare support and taking in animals that needed medical care. With the team growing recently, we have seen a renewed drive to reach even more animals in need.
Merinda Brits founded 4Paws in 2006, after seeing the desperate need for health care and support for animals in underprivileged areas. Over the years, the organisation has run outreach programmes in 26 Gauteng townships. These outreaches have been vital for families unable to afford or access treatments such as vaccines, deworming, sterilisations and emergency vet visits.
As the need has been so great, the team are excited to welcome their new manager Jennifer. They work tirelessly to provide essential care, education and support wherever possible. The need is great and they hope to reach as many animals as possible in the coming months.
“We have a big emphasis on education, teaching owners how to raise their pet in a safe and responsible manner where the pet can thrive. On our outreach days, we will also remove animals that are at risk and provide them with a safe space in our shelter where they can heal and receive all necessary medical attention.
We also run a feral cat project, where we trap, sterilise and check for infectious diseases in feral cats in colonies all around Gauteng, as well as providing any medical intervention needed if they are ill or injured.” – Jennifer Austin, 4Paws Manager.
Animals that need additional care, are taken to the 4Paws shelter. Here they are cared for until they are ready to be rehomed. The team then work to find loving, happy homes for their rescues.
“At the shelter we have around 100 residents looking for homes, we have rescued animals in need and provided them with a sanctuary where they are warm, loved and have 2 meals every day. We rescue both dogs and cats and make it our goal to care for them with the kindness and compassion they deserve, we also care for special needs animals as we firmly believe they deserve to get a loving home as well.”
4Paws recently took in a pregnant dog who has brought 12 healthy puppies into the world. They are helping the dog in raising the puppies and then, will find each one the loving home it deserves.
“We have also recently welcomed in 12 gorgeous newborn puppies to our 4Paws family from a pregnant mom we found in the Lion Park Township who was wandering the streets. Mom is being spoilt rotten by our staff and is doing an incredible job at raising her babies that will be looking for their forever homes in a few weeks.”
Collapsing Pit Toilets Replaced at Esikhotho Primary Before Tragedy Struck
The Sweet Bond That Turned a Stranded Township Kitten’s Life Around
The organisation hopes to reach as many people as they can, who can aid in helping care for more animals. For every animal they help, they touch the lives of many more. 4Paws has become a trusted organisation within the townships they serve. This goes a long way in making a greater difference.
The work they do is vital and a helping hand is always welcome. They rely on support from the public in various ways.
“We are always looking for volunteers, we always have plenty to do here at the shelter and I am planning some bigger volunteer events at the shelter.
We are also always looking for food donations, blankets, toys etc for our animals and financial support is always incredibly appreciated so we can continue supplying veterinary care to our animals and continue our outreach work.”
To lend a helping hand, or to check out the animals up for adoption, take a look at the Facebook page here.
by 
