safe a live

Adoption process

KAWS believes in an open, conversation-based adoption process that carefully matches the lifestyle and expectations of adopters with the personalities and needs of our homeless pets. 

We are open for walk-in adoptions Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 15:00

ADOPTABLE DOGS
ADOPTABLE CATS
Family with new adopt dog
4 basic steps

How to Adopt

1)  Complete our Application form & meet our matchmakers.
The application form helps us to understand your lifestyle, household, and expectations to help ensure a successful match.  Our matchmakers will share what they know about the adoptable pet.  They are trained to make the best matches for our pets and for you.

2)  Meet and greet time.
Loving matches takes time!  Please plan on 1-2 hours for the entire process.  Dog adoptions require that any other dog(s) and/or children in the home to meet the adoptable dog.

3)  Home check.
Once you have made your decision, KAWS will arrange for a home check.  The home check helps us ensure that your home will be a good fit based on what we know about the pet, and it’s also a chance for you to ask us any questions and receive last-minute pointers before you bring your new pet home!

4)  Complete the adoption and bring your new love home.
Review our Adoption Contract and the adoptable pet’s medical record. We will also take time to answer any questions you may have about bringing your new friend home.

Q&A’s

What do I need if I am interested in adopting?

  1. Adopters must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Please note that you cannot adopt an animal on behalf of someone else. All adoption applications must be completed by the person with whom the animal will be living.
  3. If you rent a house or apartment, we ask that you provide paperwork that states that you are allowed to have a pet.
  4. If you are interested in adopting a dog and you already have another dog at home, we may ask  you to bring your dog along for a meet and greet with the dog you’d like to adopt.  A KAWS Representative will help you with this process.
  5. It is very important that your current pets are up to date on vaccinations and heartworm preventives. All pets on the premises must also be sterilised.
  6. Please note that we are NOT able to arrange  introductions or meet and greets when you adopt a cat.
  7. Please be sure to bring a leash and collar if you are adopting a dog  or puppy, or a carrier for a cat or kitten.

Fees and pricing

ADOPTION FEE:  R750

​The adoption fee includes:

  • the first two vaccinations
  • de-worming
  • mandatory sterilisation at 6 months (all animals above 6 months are already sterilised).  Sterilisation will be done at KAWS or other approved welfare shelters if the adoption is out of our area.
  • microchipping

Follow-up and support

There is always an adjustment period with a new pet, especially if you have other pets in your home. Knysna Animal Welfare Society can help you manage the adjustment.  If you have any questions, issues, or concerns about your pet once you get home, please contact us for follow-up and support?

Adoption Centre and Clinic hours

ADOPTION CENTRE HOURS

Monday – Friday:  08:30 – 16:00

Saturday:  09:00 – 11:00

CLINIC HOURS

Monday – Friday:

09:00 – 10:00 (Vet on duty)

14:00 – 15:00 (Vaccinations, microchips and deworming only)

Saturday:

09:00 – 11:00

Sundays and Public Holidays:

Closed