- The Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) has been improving the lives of animals in indigent communities across the Cape Metropole for 38 years.
- In 2023, ARO conducted over 11,000 consultations and aims to sterilise 1,800 dogs by year-end.
- Following a successful Animal Day event, ARO plans to expand its reach with a third mobile clinic to further enhance animal welfare.
The Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO), a registered Public Benefit Organisation established in 1986, has been working to improve the lives of animals within indigent communities across the Cape Metropole.
Despite being in operation for 38 years, many are still unaware of the critical services provided by ARO, which include sterilisation and primary health care for animals.
The organisation does not operate as a pet shelter, but instead focuses on delivering veterinary welfare services.
Lindsey Concer, speaking on behalf of ARO, highlighted the organisation’s mission. “Our goal is to relieve the suffering of animals in poor communities, and we do this through essential services like sterilisation. Many of the communities we work in simply don’t have the financial means for proper pet care,” she explained.
Clinics
ARO operates two mobile clinics, staffed by registered and experienced animal welfare assistants (AWAs), in areas such as Gugulethu, Nyanga, Delft and Browns Farm. These clinics reach out to informal settlements where pet owners often struggle with basic veterinary care.
Additionally, AR.O runs a fully equipped welfare hospital in Ottery, offering services to households with a monthly gross income of less than R20 000. In 2023 alone, ARO conducted over 11 000 consultations and sterilised 2 045 animals, according to Concer. The sterilisation drive remains one of the organisation’s key focuses, especially with the rising number of animals in need of care.
“Sterilisation is critical for controlling the animal population in our communities,” Concer emphasised.
“Without proper pet care, we are also exposing ourselves to the risk of diseases.” She explained that through education and outreach, ARO is helping community members understand what it means to be a responsible pet owner. Thanks to the sterilisation campaign, ARO has already sterilised 1,400 dogs this year for free, to reach 1 800 dogs before the end of the year. This target comes at a cost of roughly R1 million. “We’re really pushing to raise awareness and funds so that we can continue this important work,” Concer said.
Reflecting on an event hosted by ARO on Animal Day, Friday 4 October, in Kevin Grove Newlands, Concer described it as “the biggest event in 38 years of our existence.” The organisation was honoured to have Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis attend as a guest. “It was an amazing day everyone was responsive, and we were able to raise money and secure new sponsors,” she added.
Looking ahead, ARO has plans to expand its reach even further. “We’re aiming to open a third mobile clinic and continue focusing on raising awareness about pet health,” Concer shared.
The organisation remains committed to improving the welfare of animals in underprivileged communities, ensuring that both pets and people benefit from better health conditions. With ongoing support and increased awareness, ARO hopes to make even more strides in the years to come.
