We are able to continue to help the Bitou community because of donations and fundraising efforts. If you want to get involved i any one of our projects, causes or events just download the form below.
PAWS is a registered non-profit organization that provides welfare services for abandoned, neglected and abused pets. Our most important task is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats by means of sterilisation, which is conducted through local veterinary practices. We welcome volunteers to assist us in all aspects of sustaining the existence of our service, be it hands-on at the kennels or with PAWS fundraisers.
We rely on the support of caring individuals and corporates to assist us in fulfilling our mission to bring relief to animals in distress, whether through intervention, education, medical assistance or re-homing.
THE VISION
Plett Animal Welfare Service began operating as an NPO in 2002. Chaired by Mrs Diana Butlin, it services the entire Bitou region, an area of 992 square kilometres, including urban areas, farms, townships and informal settlements
PAWS (Plett Animal Welfare Service) is a registered non-profit organization. (020-732-NPO)
Running an animal welfare service and caring for animals is expensive. The Plett Animal Welfare Service is always in need of the items listed below. Each item donated to PAWS allows us to stretch our rands and help more animals and their owners.
All items donated are tax deductible and items can be dropped off during our normal business hours. If you are able to donate any of the items listed or would like to donate an item that is not listed, please feel free to call us at +27 83 287 9917 or email us info@plettpwas.co.za
THE SHELTER
After several years of dedicated fund-raising, PAWS opened their own kennel facilities on 7 February 2013. In 2023 PAWS added the Di Butlin PAWS Clinic.
The kennels are situated just off the N2, just after New Horizons, on the right, driving towards Knysna. We rent an adjoining property that will be used for various PAWS events. Our kennel facilities for strays, injured animals and lost dogs and cats, features large open exercise yards and a spacious cattery. Our residents are loved and well-cared for until they are successfully re-homed.
THE CLINIC
PAWS INVESTS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CLINIC
PAWS services about 11 communities in the Plett area which stretches over 100 kilometres.
Our health care service in this large area includes regular dipping clinics and anti-tick and flea treatment, inoculations and treatment of injured and sick animals. Our most important tool in improving the overall condition of our less fortunate animals is our scheduled community spay days as well as ongoing sterilisations throughout the year.
Over the years, we have debated the feasibility of having our own small clinic and surgery on our premises and in 2023 we finally added the Di Butlin Clinic to our premises. With our own clinic, we now have a part- time vet (s)who provide basic health care to larger numbers of animals, in addition to performing more all-important sterilisations.
The day-to-day care of animals at PAWS is led by Tracy van der Byl, our Kennel Manager. Her role includes coordinating feeding, hygiene, exercise, basic health monitoring and ensuring that animals are prepared for rehoming. Through consistent oversight and practical experience, Tracy ensures that animals in PAWS’ care are managed responsibly and in line with welfare standards.
Robert Reuters, our Kennel Inspector, plays a critical role in safeguarding animal welfare beyond the kennels. He is responsible for inspections, responding to welfare concerns and ensuring that animals are kept in appropriate conditions. His work at PAWS is the intervention and prevention of neglect and abuse through practical enforcement and guidance.
Kennel Manager
Kennel Inspector