Thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your home? Adopting a cat or dog isn’t just about finding a pet, it’s about starting a heart-warming new chapter filled with love, loyalty and a little extra fur on the couch.
Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest and busiest city, also has one of the highest numbers of stray animals. Luckily, local rescue organisations and shelters are stepping in, feeding, healing and rehoming thousands of dogs and cats every year.
By choosing adoption, you’re not only giving a once-abandoned animal the forever home they deserve, you’re also helping these shelters continue their life-saving work.
To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best places in Johannesburg to adopt a cat or dog, along with a quick tip on arranging safe, stress-free transport for your new best friend.
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Found at multiple locations across the city, the Johannesburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) stands as a steadfast advocate for animal welfare. More than just a shelter, the SPCA rescues and rehabilitates animals in distress and runs educational outreach programmes to promote responsible pet ownership. Their widespread locations make the organisation accessible and a vital part of Joburg’s animal welfare network.
The SPCA relies on the support of volunteers and generous individuals for its sustenance, be it through donations, volunteering time or or giving a pet a permanent home.
While the exact adoption process may vary by branch, we've outlined what you can generally expect when adopting from the SPCA.
Browse the pets available for adoption.
Visit the shelter to walk through the kennels and have a meet and greet with a few of the animals.
Complete the adoption forms and pay the adoption fee, which ranges from R500 to R1,100 depending on the location and type of pet.
Schedule a home visit and let your potential new pet meet your children or other pets if you have.
Once your application is approved, you wait for your pet to be prepared for adoption with sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming and microchipping.
Welcome your newest furry family member to your home!
Location: Sandton, Randburg, Midrand and Reuven
Animals Available: Cats, dogs and other animals including pigs
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Founded in 2000, Kitty and Puppy Haven is a pro-life sanctuary in Johannesburg that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned cats and dogs. The team provides medical care, nourishment and a safe environment until each animal is ready for adoption.
The sanctuary relies on community support through volunteers, donations and a public wish list, making it easy for anyone to contribute directly to the animals’ daily needs.
Check out the pets available for adoption.
Visit the sanctuary to meet the animals and fill out the adoption application.
Make a booking for a home check.
Pick up your new pet once they have been sterilised, covered by the adoption fee of R1,500.
Location: Midrand
Animals Available: Cats and dogs
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The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) has stood as a defender of animal rights and welfare since 1956. It's grown to become the second-largest animal welfare organisation in the country, with its Johannesburg branch being at the heart of operations. With a mission to prevent cruelty and alleviate the suffering of animals, AACL Johannesburg actively rescues, rehabilitation and rehomes thousands of animals each year.
Through educational initiatives and community outreach, the organisation also raises awareness around responsible pet ownership, making it a long-standing pillar of Johannesburg’s animal welfare efforts.
Visit the shelter or check online to view the animals up for adoption.
Perform a home inspection to make sure your home is suitable for your potential pet.
Return to the shelter to fill out the paperwork.
Pay the adoption fee, which is R780 for cats and kittens and R1,210 for dogs and puppies.
Pick up your new pet after they’ve been sterilised and vaccinated.
Location: Regent’s Park
Animals Available: Cats and dogs
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Founded in February 2011, Paws R Us is a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) and a pro-life rescue organisation dedicated to saving, sheltering and rehoming unwanted, abandoned and surrendered dogs across Gauteng. Based in Midrand, it operates a central shelter facility and also works with an approved network of volunteer foster homes to ensure each dog receives individualised care while awaiting adoption.
Their mission is clear: to provide a safe haven and a second chance for every canine companion in their care.
Visit the shelter and choose your new fur baby.
Arrange a personal meet and greet.
Complete all the adoption documents in person.
Plan a home check or lifestyle meeting.
Pay the adoption fee of R900.
Prepare as your dog is delivered to your home.
Location: Midrand
Animals Available: Dogs
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Nestled in the Hennops mountains, Dogtown SA is a serene haven for dogs rescued from challenging situations. With a specialised rehabilitation area and a team of 10 full-time certified trainers and behaviourists, Dogtown SA stands as a true rehabilitation centre. These professionals work tirelessly to transform the lives of dogs with special needs, ensuring they become well-adjusted and ready for a happy, loving future.
Fill out the online adoption application.
Submit your home check videos and supporting documents.
Pay the adoption fee of R1 000, which includes sterilisation, micro-chipping, deworming, flea and tick treatment, testing and vaccination.
Go for a meet and greet at Dogtown.
Get ready for adoption day when your new family member is delivered to your home.
Location: R511 Schurveberg
Animals Available: Dogs
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A New Hope Dog Rescue, registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), is a family-run shelter in Kliprivier, Midvaal, Gauteng. The centre offers spacious, social runs and heated sleeping areas to ensure comfort for dogs of all shapes, ages and sizes. Committed to a pro-life philosophy, the shelter does not impose time limits on a dog’s stay and focuses entirely on rehabilitation and finding suitable, loving homes.
The organisation also prioritises sterilisation, adoption and community education, and depends on public funding and local support to continue its life-changing work.
Complete the adoption application form and email it to them.
Conduct a home check.
Pay the adoption fee (depending on the age of your dog), which includes sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming and micro-chipping.
Pick up your new adopted pet.
Location: Walkerville
Animals Available: Dogs
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Operating since 2000, Kitty Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill cat welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens in Johannesburg. With no government funding, the shelter relies on the kindness of Gauteng's animal lovers for support. Through a network of volunteers and foster families, Kitty Shelter provides a loving environment for kittens, promoting socialisation and essential life skills. The shelter's foster care program ensures these feline companions experience the warmth of a home environment while receiving necessary medical care.
Complete the online application form.
If accepted, you’ll be sent the adoption agreement to sign.
Pay the adoption fee, which ranges from R750 to R1,200, depending on the age of the cat.
Pick up your new cat from their foster home.
Location: Victoria
Animals Available: Cats
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Founded in 1992 by Nicholas and Stella Meldau, Woodrock Animal Rescue is one of South Africa’s oldest non-profit, pro-life animal rescue centres. Nestled in the Hennops River Valley near Johannesburg, the sanctuary cares for more than 500 animals at any given time. The team focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming homeless, abused and neglected animals, from dogs and cats to donkeys, pigs and other farm animals.
Visit the shelter to meet the animals available for adoption.
Arrange a meet and greet with any pets you already have.
Complete the adoption application.
Pay the R200 non-refundable holding fee.
Have a brief home inspection.
Pay the adoption fee ranging from R950 - R1,700.
Collect your adorable new pet within 5 days.
Location: Hennops River Valley
Animals Available: Cats, dogs, goats, donkeys, pigs, chickens, rabbits and geese
Need a little extra help getting your furry new friend to their forever home? Wise Move's booking platform makes it easy for you to find and book with local pet transport services that understand the care and attention your pet deserves.
Now that you know your furry companion is on its way safely, read our 7 tips to help your new pet adjust to their new home.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
