About us

Established in 1872, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the founding society of the SPCA movement in South Africa and the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country. A registered non-profit organisation (NPO 003-244) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930004317), the society relies on the support of concerned individuals and corporates to continue operating.

Over the past 150 years we have diligently carried out our mission to prevent cruelty to animals. This is done through education, law enforcement, veterinary care services (operating an animal hospital, and four mobile clinics serving impoverished communities), an Animal Care Centre, Horse Care and Farmyard, and Wildlife department.

Our Mission

To prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals.

Our Vision

To end animal cruelty in South Africa and to engender compassion for all animals.

Our area of operation is vast and covers approximately 3200km².

Last year alone the society sterilised over 6500 animals, thus reducing animal over-population in our region. 

By providing primary veterinary care, we not only helped thousands of individual animals, but also improved the health of their human family by reducing the spread of Zoonotic diseases such as mange (human scabies), TB and worms to name a few.

Steadfast in our determination to raise awareness of animal welfare and to significantly reduce and prevent animal cruelty, we provide veterinary care to those communities most in need and a qualified team of experienced inspectors, ready to prevent animal cruelty, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

We are affiliated to the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) and are Members of the National Council of SPCAs South Africa (NSPCA), and previously a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) before it’s dissolution.

How You Can Help

Teeny tiny or gentle giant, energetic or super chilled, bouncy or sassy… we have stunning buddies of all sizes, ages and energy levels, ready to meet their perfect match and forever home.​

Help give animals a second chance. Donate to the SPCA to help all the animals have a wonderful second chance at life.

If you love animals and would like to make a difference to lives of the many animals the SPCA rescues and cares for, then consider becoming part of our special group of volunteers, also known as our animal angels.

Animals for Adoption

Browse through our albums of animals waiting for their fur-ever home

Education to Eradicate Cruelty

Increasing animal welfare by strengthening knowledge… read more

Latest News

News

41 Dogs. Two Yards. A Crisis That Cannot Be Ignored.

Six Animal Welfare Organisations Unite to Sterilise 180 Pets in Just One Day
Lavender Hill, Cape Town – 41 dogs – 32 of them puppies, crammed into two small yards is what rescue group Aid4Aid recently discovered in the area. That’s not just a heart-breaking statistic—it’s a flashing red warning light. This is what happens when sterilisation doesn’t happen. This is the brutal reality of unchecked breeding.

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Inspectorate News

5 Days, 2 Raids, 2 Fighting Pits, 12 Dogs, 3 Arrests

Following a successful bust in Ottery, where we rescued five dogs, we have now uncovered yet another horrific dogfighting ring in Eerste River on 3rd February 2025. This update provides new developments on our ongoing investigation and highlights a second major breakthrough in just two weeks.

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