Johannesburg’s animal welfare community is built on compassion, care & countless adoption stories that give rescue babies a second chance at life.
Across the city, dedicated teams work tirelessly to rehabilitate & rehome hundreds of dogs & cats each year – helping them find their forever home. These incredible shelters make a significant impact in their local communities, offering hope, kindness, & loving homes to abandoned pets.
As you plan your adoption, it’s vital to have reliable pet insurance for your new best friend. Read through MediPet’s Ultimate Guide to Pet Insurance to ensure your pets’ health & well-being, or receive a free no-obligation quote online in minutes.
Key Takeaways:
- Johannesburg & Gauteng’s rescue organisations work tirelessly to give abandoned & abused animals a second chance at life.
- The Sandton SPCA & Johannesburg SPCA lead the way in providing vital shelter & rehabilitation for rescued pets.
- Dogtown SA & Woodrock Animal Rescue extend their impact beyond adoption with sterilisation awareness programmes, community outreach, & behavioural support for animals in need of loving homes.
- If adoption isn’t the right step for you at the moment, fostering, donating, or volunteering are wonderful ways to support rescue dogs in need.
How To Pick The Right Shelter & Why Adopting Matters
Adopting from a dog shelter is one of the most compassionate ways to make a difference in your community. Every rescue gives an abandoned or abused animal a second chance at life, offering safety, love, & belonging.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a dog adoption shelter:
- Location & accessibility: Select a shelter close enough for visits, follow-ups, or volunteering opportunities.
- Adoption fees: These may vary, but they usually include vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, & sterilisation.
- Shelter policies: Learn each organisation’s adoption process, such as home checks or meet-&-greet appointments, to ensure a suitable match.
- Post-adoption support: Some shelters provide training guidance, integration advice, or medical check-ins to help your new pet settle.
Before adopting, research the shelter’s process to prepare for the long-term commitment that comes with responsible pet ownership, including regular veterinary care & pet insurance.
Top 10 Dog Shelters in Johannesburg
Adopting from a trusted dog shelter is a powerful way to change a rescued animal’s life forever. Dedicated organisations in & around Johannesburg work around the clock to save, rehabilitate, & rehome dogs in need, ensuring each one receives medical care, safety, & a chance at a fresh start.
These 10 shelters were selected for their outstanding reputations, ethical practices, & heartfelt commitment to animal welfare. Each offers a clear, thorough adoption process & veterinary support, ensuring every pet is welcomed into their new families with joy & confidence.
Read on to discover how these incredible teams create hope, healing & new beginnings for Johannesburg’s animals in need
1. Johannesburg SPCA
Location: 5 Benray Road, Reuven, Johannesburg, 2091
The Johannesburg SPCA (JSPCA), established in 1902, is one of South Africa’s most respected animal-welfare organisations. This trusted shelter prevents cruelty & neglect by providing refuge to abandoned pets, offering them safety, rehabilitation, & the chance to find loving forever homes.
Their adoption process is thorough yet compassionate, ensuring that every dog & cat is matched with a suitable home. The dedicated team & volunteers take time to understand each animal’s personality, offering ongoing support, education, & community outreach programmes to promote responsible pet ownership.
To enquire about adoption, contact the Johannesburg SPCA at 011 681 3600 or their after-hours number at 083 604 1172. You can also email them at kennels@jhbspca.co.za or visit the Johannesburg SPCA official website for adoption queries. Read their reviews on Google or visit their Facebook & Instagram for updates & community news.
Adoption Process & Requirements
- Prospective adopters must complete an application form.
- A R 500 deposit is required for the pre-home inspection.
- Adopters must provide proof of identity & residence.
- JSPCA inspectors perform a home check to ensure safe, adequate conditions for the pet, including sufficient space & secure fencing.
- Once approved, the animal is microchipped, sterilised, vaccinated, & dewormed before adoption.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All animals are vaccinated, dewormed, & sterilised before leaving the shelter.
- The on-site veterinary clinic provides medical treatment & ongoing rehabilitation for injured or neglected animals.
- Each pet is examined to ensure they are healthy, safe, & ready for adoption.
Adoption Fee
- Their adoption fee is R1,000 for dogs.
- This fee supports essential medical care (sterilisation, microchips, vaccines) & helps sustain JSPCA’s operations.
Additional Services & Support
- Offers education programmes, pet care workshops, & community outreach initiatives.
- Provides affordable veterinary services for low-income families.
- Supports animal cruelty investigations & assists with lost pet reporting.
- Encourages the public to volunteer, donate, or become a sponsor to help continue their lifesaving work.
2. Midrand SPCA
Location: 6 Dale Road, Glen Austin AH, Midrand, 1685
The Midrand SPCA plays a vital role in Johannesburg’s animal welfare network, serving as a haven for abandoned, neglected, & abused animals. With a strong commitment to rehabilitation & responsible rehoming, their dedicated team ensures that every dog, cat, & rescue baby receives compassionate care while waiting for their forever home.
The shelter’s adoption process is transparent & community-focused, helping adopters find the right match while ensuring every pet is healthy, happy, & ready to join a loving family. Their volunteers & clinic staff work together to provide medical treatment, vaccinations, & ongoing support for new owners.
To enquire about adoption, contact the Midrand SPCA at 011 265 9935 or email admin@midrandspca.co.za. You can also read reviews on Google, visit the Midrand SPCA official website for more adoption information, or follow their updates on Facebook & Instagram.
Process & Requirements:
- Start by looking at the dogs & puppies looking for a forever home online, then visit the shelter during their viewing hours listed below.
- Viewing hours:
- Mon–Fri: 10:00–15:00
- Sat: 09:30–11:00
- Visitors may walk in during viewing hours, but booking an appointment is recommended for a guided meet & greet.
- Complete an adoption questionnaire & submit a copy of your ID, your latest utility bill (proof of address), & permission from your landlord or body corporate if renting or in a complex.
- A pre-placement officer will conduct a home inspection to assess the presence & temperament of other pets, household activity levels, the property size & whether there are potential hazards (e.g., pools, open boundaries).
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
- Every adopted animal is sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, & microchipped before going home (If adopting a young puppy or kitten, sterilisation will take place at the appropriate age as part of the adoption contract).
- Pets are given a health check to ensure they’re fit for adoption.
- Ongoing rehabilitation & medical support are available through their on-site clinic.
Adoption Fee:
- The total adoption fee is R1300, which includes vaccinations, sterilisation, & microchipping.
- A non-refundable deposit of R300 is required during the application process.
- The remaining balance is payable once the adoption is approved & the home check has passed.
Additional Services & Support:
- Provides an affordable clinic offering vaccinations & treatment for community pets.
- Run education programmes & outreach initiatives promoting responsible ownership.
- Encourages public involvement through volunteering, donations, or sponsorships.
3. Sandton SPCA
Location: 11 9th St, Marlboro Gardens, Marlboro, Sandton, 2146
The Sandton SPCA is deeply committed to preventing cruelty to animals & offering a safe sanctuary for those in distress. Their experienced team & volunteers work tirelessly to rehabilitate abandoned or abused animals, ensuring they receive the care & medical attention they need before being placed into loving homes.
Their adoption process is built to foster long-term, compatible matches between pets & their new families. Through a transparent application system & rigorous checks, they help ensure that every adoption is thoughtful & responsible.
For adoption inquiries, contact the Sandton SPCA via 011 444 7730 or email info@sandtonspca.org.za. You can also visit Sandton SPCA’s official website to view adoptable pets, read their reviews on Google, or follow them on Facebook & Instagram for updates.
Process & Requirements:
- Visit the shelter to meet the animals or arrange a meet-&-greet (they recommend bringing your current pets to test compatibility).
- Complete the adoption application form & pay a non-refundable R200 deposit.
- You need to provide:
- Proof of identity (ID)
- Proof of address
- A letter of permission from your landlord or body corporate (if renting)
- An SPCA inspector will conduct a pre-home inspection to ensure your environment is safe & suitable.
- Once approved, you typically have 48 hours to collect your pet, or your reservation may be cancelled.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
- The adoption fee covers sterilisation, vaccination, deworming, & microchipping for all animals.
- Cats receive additional FIV & FeLV testing.
- Each animal undergoes a health evaluation before being cleared for adoption to ensure a smooth transition into their new home.
Adoption Fee:
- R1200 per pet.
- This includes sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, & testing (for cats).
- A R200 non-refundable deposit is also required during the application process.
Additional Services & Support:
- Offers veterinary services, animal protection programmes, & education initiatives.
- Runs volunteer & donation drives to assist with ongoing animal welfare projects.
- Provides support for wildlife, equine, farm, & domestic animals in distress.
- Encourages adopters to get involved by donating, volunteering, or joining their community events.
4. Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL)
Location: 59 Alice Street, Regents Park, Johannesburg, 2197
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) is one of South Africa’s oldest & most respected animal welfare organisations, dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, & rehoming of animals in need. Founded in 1956, the AACL has built a trusted reputation for promoting kindness, compassion, & responsible pet ownership through education & community engagement.
Each animal in their care receives individual attention from a dedicated team of staff & volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure every adoption leads to a safe, loving, & lasting home.
To enquire about adoption, contact the AACL Johannesburg at 011 435 0672 or email adoptions@aacl-jhbnb.co.za. You can read their reviews on Google, view available dogs & cats via the official AACL website, or follow their updates on Facebook & Instagram.
Process & Requirements:
- Visit the shelter or view available animals online to find your ideal companion.
- The AACL follows a “first-come, first-served” adoption policy once property checks are complete.
- Prospective adopters must provide:
- Copy of ID
- Proof of residence
- Proof that pets are allowed (letter from landlord or body corporate if renting)
- A property inspection ensures secure fencing, adequate space, shelter, & safe living conditions.
- Approval is valid for 3–12 months, depending on circumstances.
- Once approved, adopters can return to complete the adoption paperwork & collect their new pet.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
- Each adopted pet receives at least one vaccination & a rabies shot (if over 4 months).
- Animals are sterilised before or shortly after adoption (or adopted with a sterilisation contract if too young).
- Includes 3 weeks of free veterinary treatment for any post-adoption health concerns.
- All pets are microchipped & provided with an identity disc.
Adoption Fee:
- Dogs & puppies: R1240
- Adoption fees include sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, & an identity disc.
- Property inspections cost:
- R88 (0–40km from JHB)
- R125 (41–80km)
- Over 80km: quoted individually
- Additional rabies or vaccination boosters may cost R15–R50.
Additional Services & Support:
- Offers rehabilitation, education programmes, & community outreach on responsible ownership.
- Provides veterinary treatment & recovery support for injured & neglected animals.
- Encourages donations, volunteering, & pet sponsorships to help rehome hundreds of animals annually.
5. Paws R Us (SA)
Location: BF Kennels & Cattery, View Road, off Porcupine Park Avenue, Riversands, Fourways, South Africa
Paws R Us (SA) is a registered non-profit company dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, & rehoming of stray & abandoned dogs in Gauteng. Founded in 2012, the organisation operates from a base in Midrand & coordinates with a large network of approved foster homes across Gauteng.
The team consists of 2 staff members & over 25 volunteers who care for 70+ animals at any given time. Every dog that comes into their care is sterilised, vaccinated, & given any additional medical treatment they may need before adoption. Their efforts are supported locally & internationally, including recognition by SPCA International & other organisations.
For adoption enquiries, contact Paws R Us (SA) at 083 518 0447 or email woof@pawsrus.co.za. While they don’t have an official website, you can follow their updates on Facebook & Instagram to meet adoptable dogs & learn more about upcoming rescue events.
Process & Requirements:
- View dogs available for adoption online or arrange a meet & greet at their Midrand facility.
- Complete an adoption application & participate in an interview or home check to ensure suitability.
- Provide:
- Copy of ID
- Proof of residence
- Permission letter from landlord or body corporate (if renting)
- Approved adopters are matched with dogs based on lifestyle, home size, & family dynamic.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
- All dogs are sterilised, vaccinated, & microchipped before adoption.
- Veterinary health checks & deworming are conducted for each animal.
- Any additional medical treatment is provided before the pet is cleared for adoption.
- Dogs are only rehomed once they are fully rehabilitated & socially ready.
Adoption Fee:
- Adoption fees vary depending on the dog’s age, breed, & medical history, covering all vet care, microchipping, & sterilisation.
- Deposits or inspection fees may apply in certain cases to confirm commitment before adoption.
- All proceeds directly support Paws R Us’ rescue, rehabilitation, & medical care programmes.
Additional Services & Support:
- Offers spay & neuter clinics to reduce overpopulation in the community.
- Provides anti-cruelty & animal rescue operations across Gauteng.
- Works with SPCA International & other organisations to widen its impact.
- Runs education & awareness campaigns encouraging responsible pet ownership.
6. Dogtown SA
Location: Hennops River Valley, Pretoria, Gauteng
Dogtown SA is one of South Africa’s most respected animal rehabilitation & rehoming centres, known for its expert behavioural care & commitment to giving every dog the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Based in the Hennops River Valley, they provide a safe sanctuary for dogs recovering from trauma to those who simply need more time, training, or individual attention before being ready for adoption.
Their adoption process is equally as thoughtful & personalised, with the team helping prospective owners find a companion whose personality, energy level, & needs align well with their home & lifestyle.
For adoption enquiries, email adopt@dogtownsa.org or call 076 044 1979. You can also view adoptable pets & begin your application on their Dogtown SA website, read their reviews on Google, or follow their updates on Facebook & Instagram.
Process & Requirements:
Dogtown’s adoption process is simple & transparent, designed to ensure a perfect match between human & pet:
- Complete a quick online application for dogs or cats to begin the matchmaking process.
- Submit any supporting documents, your home check videos & any required paperwork.
- Visit Dogtown to meet your potential furry companion in person.
- Once approved, you collect your new family member & start your new chapter together.
Every adopter works closely with the Dogtown team to ensure that both the animal & adopter are fully prepared for a successful transition.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
The once-off adoption donation (R1,000) covers:
- Sterilisation
- Microchipping
- Deworming
- Vaccinations
- Tick & Flea treatments
- FIV/FeLV testing (for cats)
All adopted animals are given a health check & receive these treatments before they leave.
Adoption Fee:
- R1000 once-off donation fee per adoption.
- This fee helps cover the cost of sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, & general medical care for the animals under Dogtown’s protection.
Additional Services & Support:
- A behavioural rehabilitation centre offers specialised training & support for rescued dogs.
- Dogtown provides lifetime post-adoption guidance to ensure smooth integration at home.
- They are developing a retirement village to offer ongoing care & a comfortable sanctuary for older dogs requiring long-term medical support.
- Community outreach programmes focus on education, sterilisation, & animal welfare drives to reduce neglect & promote responsible ownership.
7. Woodrock Animal Rescue
Location: Plot 51, R511 Hennops River Valley, Pretoria, Gauteng
Woodrock Animal Rescue is a well-established non-profit, pro-life animal welfare organisation based in Gauteng. Founded in 1992 by Nicholas & Stella Meldau, it operates on an 8.5-hectare sanctuary in the Hennops River Valley, caring for more than 500 animals at any given time – from dogs & cats to farm animals like pigs & goats.
The organisation is deeply committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, & rehoming pets. They also run a strong community-sterilisation programme to break the cycle of overpopulation.
To adopt or learn more, visit the official Woodrock Animal Rescue website or call them at 082 925 3133. Read their reviews on Google or learn more about them on Facebook & Instagram.
Process & Requirements:
- Complete an adoption form (available online or for download) before applying.
- Pay a non-refundable R200 booking/application fee, which is deducted from the final adoption fee if you are approved.
- A home inspection will be carried out by a staff member or volunteer to check the safety & suitability of your environment.
- After a successful home check & meet & greet, you will finalise adoption paperwork & collect your new pet.
- For very young animals (e.g., puppies), Woodrock requires proof of sterilisation later: when a puppy reaches six months, you must have them sterilised via an affiliated vet & send proof to Woodrock.
- Woodrock also offers Home-to-Home Adoptions, connecting pet owners who can no longer care for their animals with families ready to adopt — reducing the need for pets to enter the shelter system.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
All animals adopted from Woodrock are:
- Vaccinated
- Dewormed
- Treated for fleas & ticks
- Microchipped
- Sterilised (or provided with a sterilisation certificate for completion by an affiliated vet if underage)
- Puppies too young for sterilisation must be spayed or neutered at six months, with proof of sterilisation sent back to Woodrock.
Adoption Fee:
- Puppies: R1850 – Includes first vaccination, deworming, flea treatment, & microchipping.
- Adult Dogs: R1650 – Includes vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, & sterilisation.
Additional Services & Support:
- You can sponsor long-term “resident” animals with a monthly donation, helping provide ongoing care.
- Woodrock’s clinic runs sterilisation projects in local informal settlements to prevent overpopulation.
- They host volunteer opportunities, school tours, & community engagement to raise animal welfare awareness.
- Their on-site clinic supports both rescue animals & outreach missions to reduce overpopulation.
8. Wollies Animal Shelter
Location: 101 Rooikat Street, Hesteapark, Pretoria North, Gauteng
Founded in 2003, Wollies Animal Shelter is a well-established, pro-life rescue organisation committed to rehabilitating & rehoming neglected & abused animals. To date, they have found homes for over 400 dogs & 60 cats, with more than 1,000 animals still awaiting adoption.
A core focus of their mission is public education around sterilisation, helping reduce the number of abandoned & homeless pets in surrounding communities. Wollies has already completed over 13,000 sterilisations over the last 5 years, significantly supporting responsible pet ownership across the region.
To begin the dog adoption process, visit the Wollies official website, call them on 061 605 0002, or email them at wollies.cillat@gmail.com. Read their reviews on Google or see their latest news & updates on Facebook & Instagram.
Process & Requirements:
- Meet the many dogs & cats at their shelter available for adoption to find the next member of your family.
- Complete the adoption application form provided by Wollies at their office.
- A home check by one of their volunteers is required to ensure your home is suitable, & gives them a sense of your new pet’s environment.
- They will give you a call to let you know if your application was successful, you will finalise the adoption paperwork, & collect your new pet.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
All animals adopted from Wollies are:
- Sterilised
- Dewormed
- Provided with a Tick & Flea Treatment
- Medical checkup
- Microchipped & Registered on Identipet website
- Vaccinated
Adoption Fee:
- Adult Dogs: R650
- Puppies: R750
All fees include sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, a medical check-up up & the home inspection.
Additional Services & Support:
- Wollies offers a low-cost sterilisation service every week for community pets as part of their mission to reduce & educate the public about sterilisation.
- Provides microchipping services for adopted animals & community pets through Identipet.
- Welcome volunteers aged 14 & up to help with walking dogs, socialising cats, cleaning, & more.
- Allows companies to do team-building projects on-site — teams can help improve shelter spaces or run animal-focused initiatives.
9. SARAC (Soweto Animal Rescue & Advisory Centre)
Location: 595 Bennet Street, Zuurbekom, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng
SARAC is a compassionate non-profit organisation focused on rescue, rehabilitation, & rehoming of animals in need within Soweto & its surroundings. They prioritise finding the right match between pet & adopter by carefully considering each animal’s background, temperament, & personality instead of just placing pets in any available home.
Their organisation is also deeply community-focused. They offer outreach, education, & advisory services, & rely on volunteers to walk & transport dogs, assist with veterinary needs, or help with day-to-day care.
Visit the SARAC official website to learn more about their adoption process, or if there is a dog or puppy you would like to take home, contact Jerry on 084 911 9459 or email them at info@sarac.co.za. You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest news & updates or read their reviews on their Google Business Profile.
Process & Requirements:
- Submit an application form (available on their website) so they can get an initial sense of whether you & your chosen pet are the best match.
- A face-to-face meet & greet is required so you & your family can interact with the potential pet.
- SARAC then conducts a home inspection to ensure your property is suitable.
- Once approved, you will finalise arrangements, & bring your new furry companion home with you.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
- All SARAC animals receive a full veterinary assessment before being made available for adoption.
- They provide vaccinations, deworming, & medical treatment as part of their rehabilitation efforts.
- Sterilisation is part of their rehabilitation philosophy, though specific sterilisation contracts or timing may vary per animal.
Adoption Fee:
- SARAC does not list fixed standard adoption fees on its website, so it would be best to contact them directly for more information.
Additional Services & Support:
- Their volunteer programmes allow trusted individuals to help with walking, transportation, & basic animal care at their organisation.
- SARAC runs educational activities to improve community understanding of responsible pet care. They encourage fostering to provide temporary homes for animals in need before adoptive placement.
- If adoption isn’t an option, SARAC offers ways to sponsor rescued animals to cover their food, medical, & maintenance costs.
10. Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre
Location: Plot 75 Vaalbank, Rayton, Pretoria, Gauteng
Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre is a registered non-profit organisation, founded in 1999, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, & rehoming abused, abandoned, & neglected animals. Their mission is rooted in compassion – to give every animal a second chance at life while promoting responsible pet ownership through sterilisation & community education.
Their “Right to Life” philosophy means they generally avoid euthanasia unless an animal is suffering unbearably, & they currently care for 600+ animals, including dogs, cats, horses, & donkeys.
To view adoptable pets, visit the Wetnose official website, or contact them at 082 677 8084 or admin@wetnose.co.za for more information about their adoptions. You can also read their reviews on Google or follow them on Facebook & Instagram for updates & success stories.
Process & Requirements:
- Browse the many dogs & other pets up for adoption on their website.
- Complete the official adoption form & provide proof of residence & a copy of your ID or driver’s licence.
- A pre-adoption home visit is required to confirm a safe, secure environment.
- If you rent or live in a complex, written permission from your landlord or body corporate is required.
- Once approved, pay the adoption fee & collect your new companion.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy:
Wetnose ensures every animal adopted receives comprehensive veterinary care:
- Sterilisation (spay or neuter) – mandatory for all adopted pets.
- Microchipping – for identification & safety.
- Vaccinations – up to date at the time of adoption.
- Deworming & tick & flea treatment.
- Health check by a qualified veterinarian.
- FeLV/FIV testing – for cats over two months.
- Parvo Virus testing – for all puppies.
- Equines (horses) receive full vaccinations, including AHS, Flu, & Tetanus.
If an animal is too young to be sterilised, a sterilisation voucher is issued for later use — included in the adoption fee.
Adoption Fee:
- All adoption fees include sterilisation, microchipping, vaccinations, deworming, & vet checks:
Dogs: R680
Additional Services & Support:
- Wetnose’s Equestrian Centre rescues & cares for horses, donkeys, & other farm animals.
- Their on-site veterinary clinic offers intake exams, surgeries, sterilisation, & affordable care for both rescue & community pets.
- They run education & community programs to promote humane treatment & animal welfare awareness.
- Through the adoption contract, they provide post-adoption support & guidance to ensure their animals integrate safely & well with adoption families.
Final Thoughts on Dog Shelters to Adopt a Dog in Johannesburg
From long-standing organisations like the Johannesburg SPCA to dedicated rescue teams at Woodrock Animal Rescue, Johannesburg’s dog shelters show just how powerful compassion can be.
These sanctuaries play a vital role in animal welfare, offering rescue pets a second chance to find their forever homes. Their dedicated teams & volunteers prove that when a community comes together, it can change countless lives—one happy tail at a time.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt, consider donating, fostering, or volunteering – every contribution plays a part in helping Johannesburg’s rescue dogs find their forever families.
To ensure your adopted pet is always protected, having reliable pet insurance gives you peace of mind for the unexpected. Explore MediPet’s pet insurance plans or get a free, no-obligation quote online in seconds. With MediPet, your new best friend’s health & safety are always in good hands.
As a pet lover, you may also enjoy our related guides, including Pet-Friendly Accommodation & the Best Doggy Daycare in Johannesburg, to help you & your pup live your best life together.
