In a first for South Africa, pedal-powered pet taxis are making it possible for pet owners to get their animals the veterinary care they need in Vrygrond!
Vrygrond, South Africa (14 February 2025) — In a first for South Africa, pet taxis are making an immensely impactful difference for animal welfare in Vrygrond!
The first official pet taxi passenger was collected just after 8 am; a dog named Chi-Chi who had a cancerous tumour and needed her final dose of chemo.
A project that was piloted in 2024, charities Network for Animals and AfriPaw have now officially launched the pedal-powered pet taxis service.
Tailored specifically for dogs and cats, the bicycle-run pet taxis are helping ensure that pet owners can get their animals to the free pet clinic run by AfriPaw and TEARS Animal Rescue without hassle.
The animal welfare teams on the ground discovered that many owners were unable to get their animals to the clinic due to logistic issues. Besides transport being too expensive, in many cases, the animals were too ill, old or anxious to walk the distance with their owners. In other cases, the owners themselves had mobility issues. Then, there was the matter of some folks being too afraid to cross gang lines in the area.
As such, having a reliable means of transport has made all the difference for accessible animal care!
A two-wheeled trailer fitted with a spacious cage to secure pets on their journey that’s pulled by a bicycle, the pet taxi is also equipped to handle challenging roads thanks to its chunky wheels.
“The pet taxi is a real breakthrough for people and animals,” shared Network for Animals Campaign Director Luke Barritt.
Not only a breakthrough, it’s also a blueprint for what other areas facing similar challenges might do to increase animal wellbeing in their communities.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 