Adopting a dog is a meaningful step that not only changes a dog’s life forever but also brings a loyal companion into yours. Durban is home to a number of dedicated dog shelters that work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, & rehome abandoned, stray, & surrendered dogs. These organisations have a passion for animal welfare & ensure every dog is placed in a loving, responsible home.
In this article, we highlight some of the best dog adoption shelters in Durban, chosen for their strong reputations, ethical adoption practices, & the level of care they provide to every pooch. Whether you’re looking for an energetic pup or a calm older dog, these shelters have dogs of all ages & personalities waiting for their forever families.
By choosing adoption, you’re giving a deserving dog a second chance & supporting the invaluable work of local shelters.
If you’ve recently adopted or are planning to, explore MediPet’s Ultimate Guide to Pet Insurance or get a quote online in seconds to ensure your new best friend is covered.
Key Takeaways:
- Durban is home to compassionate dog shelters like Kloof & Highway SPCA & Paw Prints Rescue & Rehoming, which prioritise ethical adoption & post-adoption support.
- Adoption fees generally range from R500 to R1 500 & often include sterilisation, vaccinations, & microchipping.
- Shelters like Stray Paws & Animal Antics Pet Rescue extend their impact beyond adoption with township feeding schemes, outreach, & mass sterilisation drives.
- If you’re not ready to adopt, consider volunteering, donating, or fostering. Your support helps rescue dogs find the care & homes they deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dog In Durban?
The cost of dog adoption in Durban typically ranges from R500 to R1 500, depending on the shelter & what’s included in the adoption fee. Most reputable shelters include core veterinary care such as sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming, & microchipping in the fee. For example:
- SPCA Durban & Coast & Kloof & Highway SPCA: Fees range from R800–R900, inclusive of medical care & microchipping.
- Paw Prints Rescue & Rehoming: Charges R1 000 & covers the first vaccination, microchip, & health check.
- Animal Antics Pet Rescue: Ranges from R1 500 for puppies, with follow-up requirements.
While adoption fees are a consideration, the actual cost of dog ownership includes ongoing expenses like food, vet visits, training, & preventive treatments. Shelters focus on matching dogs with responsible owners who are financially & emotionally prepared for this long-term commitment.
For a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when adopting, read our guide to adopting a dog or cat.
Table Of Contents
- Top 7 Shelters For Dog Adoption In Durban
- How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Durban?
- Top 7 Dog Shelters in Durban
- 1. Durban & Coast SPCA
- 2. Kloof & Highway SPCA
- 3. Animal Anti-Cruelty League
- 4. Paw Prints Rescue & Rehoming
- 5. Mazarat Animal Rescue
- 6. Animal Antics Pet Rescue
- 7. Stray Paws
- Final Thoughts: Best Dog Adoption Shelters in Durban
Top 7 Dog Shelters in Durban
Adopting from a reputable dog shelter is one of the most compassionate ways to give a rescued dog the loving home they deserve. Durban’s shelters are deeply committed to animal welfare, working around the clock to rescue, rehabilitate, & rehome stray, abandoned, & surrendered dogs.
The following 7 shelters have been carefully selected for their strong reputations, ethical adoption practices, & dedication to responsible pet placement. Each organisation has a thorough adoption process, provides essential medical care, & supports adopters in welcoming their new companions.
Explore these trusted shelters to find your future furry best friend, & give a dog the second chance they’ve been waiting for.
1. Durban & Coast SPCA
Location: 2 Willowfield Crescent, Sea Cow Lake, Springfield Park, Durban, 4001
The Durban & Coast SPCA has a long-standing reputation for its commitment to animal welfare in the greater Durban area. From rescuing abandoned or mistreated animals to educating the public on responsible pet ownership, they offer a full spectrum of services, including adoptions, veterinary care, & cruelty investigations.
The Durban & Coast SPCA follows a structured adoption process to ensure every dog finds a suitable, loving home. After choosing a pet at the shelter, an inspector visits your home to check that it’s appropriate for the animal’s needs. This process ensures the long-term well-being of both the dog & the adopter. Your pet also undergoes a health check, inoculations, sterilisation, microchipping, & is provided with a collar & ID tag.
To enquire about adoption, contact the SPCA at +27 031 579 6525 or +27 031 579 6525 or use the enquiry form on their website. You can find adoptable pets on their website or via their Facebook page. You can also visit their Google Business Profile to read reviews.
Adoption Process & Requirements
- All potential adopters must complete an application form & undergo a home check.
- A deposit fee, proof of residence, & identification are required.
- The SPCA ensures each dog is matched with a suitable owner based on their lifestyle & home environment.
- A potential owner must have sufficient living space with fencing or walls, access to clean water, & appropriate shelter for their animal.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All dogs taken into SPCA Durban are sterilised, & receive health checks, inoculations, a collar & ID tag. They are also microchipped, when all adoption criteria have been met & the home inspection has been completed.
- Owners must be able to cover future inoculations, deworming, regular medical checkups, & any unexpected costs.
Adoption Fee
A R200 deposit is required after the initial adoption criteria are met, covering:
- The home inspection & final steps in the adoption process.
- Your pet’s initial health check & inoculations
- Microchip
- ID disk & collar
Additional Services & Support
- Education on responsible pet ownership.
- Opportunities for volunteering, fostering, sponsoring a yard cat, or donations.
- The SPCA services include mobile clinics, animal hospitals, lost & found centres & more.
2. Kloof & Highway SPCA
Location: 29 Village Rd, Kloof, 3610
The Kloof & Highway SPCA is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest & most trusted animal welfare organisations. They are known for their high standard of care, dedicated team, & strong community presence. In addition to adoptions, the SPCA offers public education, affordable veterinary services, & a range of charity-driven initiatives including a second-hand shop, tea garden, & fundraising events.
Prospective pet parents are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership, from financial readiness & training to home suitability. Once a pet is selected, socialisation, home checks, & a thorough vetting process help ensure each match is a lasting one.
To streamline this journey, the SPCA has partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition on the Hill’s Pet Matchmaker App, an easy-to-use platform that lets you browse adoptable pets in your area & helps ensure lasting, well-matched adoptions. The app gives more visibility to shelter animals & supports better adoption outcomes for both pets & their future families.
For more information, you can visit their website. To enquire about adoption, contact Kloof & Highway SPCA at +27 31 764 1212 or email adoption@kloofspca.co.za. To see adoptable pets, you will need to check out their Facebook page or download the Hill’s Pet Matchmaker App. You can also read their reviews via their Google Business Profile.
Process & Requirements
- Email adoption@kloofspca.co.za to book an appointment. Include your area, existing resident animals, & the type of pet you wish to adopt.
- Visit the shelter & meet the animals. For dog adoptions, a socialisation session with any current household dogs is required.
- Submit required documentation including:
- Proof of residence
- Copy of ID
- Proof of up-to-date vaccinations for all resident pets
- Letter of approval from your landlord or body corporate (if applicable)
- They also provide a document detailing the full adoption requirements.
- Complete the adoption form & pay a R120 processing fee.
- A home inspection will be conducted. If passed, you have 48 hours to finalise the adoption, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All adopted animals are sterilised, vaccinated, & microchipped before leaving the shelter.
- Pets only go home after all veterinary checks are completed.
- A post-adoption home check may be conducted without notice.
- Ongoing veterinary care, flea/tick prevention, & medical costs are the adopter’s responsibility.
Adoption Fee
- R900 for dogs & R800 for cats, which includes:
- Sterilisation
- Microchip
- Core vaccinations
- Optional: R400 for 4 on-site training classes with experienced behaviourist Daniel Stewart, helping ensure a successful transition into your home.
Additional Services & Support
- Behavioural support through on-site training sessions.
- Educational outreach & awareness programmes.
- Veterinary care & outreach for surrounding communities.
- Charity shop, tea garden, & volunteer programmes to support the shelter.
- If you can no longer care for your adopted pet, you are legally required to return them to the SPCA with all documentation.
3. Animal Anti-Cruelty League
Location: 53 Artesia Avenue, D657 Rd, 3720
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Durban is part of a national organisation dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty & the promotion of responsible pet ownership. Their shelter offers rescued dogs & cats the chance to find safe, permanent homes. Whether through public education, rescue work, or veterinary services, AACL Durban remains deeply committed to animal welfare across the region.
You can visit the shelter or browse their online gallery to view available animals. If you find a match, a home inspection will ensure the environment is safe, secure, & suitable. Approved properties are valid for 12 months (if unchanged). Once approved, you can return to finalise the adoption, complete paperwork, pay the fee, & buy pet supplies if needed.
To enquire about adoption, contact the AACL Durban at +27 31 736 9093 or email info@aacl.co.za. They provide the option to explore their gallery of dogs for adoption & enquire via the website. You can read reviews about AACL Durban via their Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
Process & Requirements
- Visit the shelter or browse their online gallery to view adoptable pets.
- Submit the completed application form & supporting documents via email.
- Required documents include:
- Copy of your ID
- Proof of residence
- Written approval from your landlord or body corporate (if applicable)
- A home inspection is conducted to assess security, space, & shelter suitability.
- Approved property inspections are valid for 3–12 months if unchanged.
- Once approved, return to finalise the adoption, complete paperwork, & pay the relevant fee.
- Adoptions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Introductions with existing pets may be arranged if required.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All adopted animals are:
- Sterilised
- Vaccinated (includes Rabies if over 4 months)
- Dewormed
- Microchipped (via Identipet)
- Includes 3 weeks of free post-adoption veterinary care for illness.
- An identity disc is provided with every adopted pet.
- Ongoing veterinary care becomes the responsibility of the adopter.
Adoption Fee
Note: Fees may vary by branch. The following rates apply to AACL Johannesburg & are subject to change. Adoption fees for AACL Durban are only available upon enquiry.
For dogs/puppies, the fee is R1 240. This includes:
- Microchip & ID disc
- Vaccinations
- Sterilisation
- Health check
- One-year free AACL membership
Additional fees may apply:
- Extra vaccinations: R50
- Rabies vaccination (if not included): R15
- Home inspection:
- R88 (0–40 km)
- R125 (41–80 km)
- 80+ km: quoted case by case
Additional Services & Support
- Public education on responsible pet ownership & cruelty prevention.
- Rescue services for stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals.
- Low-cost veterinary care for disadvantaged communities.
- Opportunities to volunteer, foster, or support through donations.
- If you can no longer care for your adopted pet, you are legally required to return your pet to AACL.
4. Paw Prints Rescue & Rehoming
Location: 4 Clement Stott Road, Assagay, Outer West Durban, 3624
Founded by Jade Lee Ashford, Paw Prints Rescue & Rehoming is a registered non-profit, pro-life animal rescue organisation dedicated to saving abandoned, abused, & unwanted dogs & puppies. Since 2015, Jade & her network have successfully rehomed over 6 000 dogs, working tirelessly to rehabilitate animals & find them loving, permanent homes.
The rescue follows a careful adoption process to ensure pets are placed in homes that are well-prepared for the responsibilities of dog ownership. Each dog or puppy receives a health check, initial vaccinations, & a microchip before rehoming.
To enquire about adopting a pet from Paw Prints, you can fill in the adoption application on their website or reach out to book an appointment. You can also visit their centre during the week (arranging an appointment before visiting is required). On Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays, the centre is open for visitors & adopters (no appointment necessary). You can also find their reviews on their Google My Business profile or Facebook page.
Process & Requirements
- Adopters must ensure their homes are safe, secure, & suitable for the size & breed of dog they wish to adopt.
- Adoption is open to responsible individuals who can commit to proper care, feeding, & training.
- Once approved, dogs are rehomed with a health check, microchip, & their first vaccination.
- Proof of follow-up vaccinations (10 weeks & 14 weeks) & sterilisation at 6 months must be submitted.
- Communication can be done via WhatsApp for ease & quick support.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- Dogs are rehomed with:
- A general health check
- First vaccination (6 weeks)
- Microchip
- Adopters are responsible for:
- 10- & 14-week vaccinations
- Sterilisation at 6 months of age (mandatory)
- Submitting proof of medical follow-through via WhatsApp or email
Adoption Fee
- R1 000 adoption fee, which includes:
- First vaccination
- Health check
- Microchipping
- Additional medical costs (sterilisation, follow-up vaccinations) are the adopter’s responsibility & must be completed on time.
Additional Services & Support
- Active rescue, rehabilitation, & rehoming of abandoned, orphaned, or abused dogs.
- Community engagement & networking to help rehome pets from families who can no longer care for them.
- Facebook page for updates, education, & available pets.
- Ongoing support & advice provided via WhatsApp.
- Puppy training & socialisation classes.
5. Mazarat Animal Rescue
Location: 25 Brackenhill Rd, Waterfall, Durban, 3652
Mazarat Animal Rescue is a registered NPO & PBO in KwaZulu-Natal, operating as a compassionate, pro-life shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, & rehoming dogs & cats in need. Whether abandoned, surrendered, or neglected, every animal that enters Mazarat’s care receives a second chance in a loving & safe environment.
All rescues are sterilised, vaccinated, & rehabilitated before adoption. The team works closely with adopters to ensure each animal is matched with a responsible & prepared family. In addition to rescue work, Mazarat partners with schools & local vets to raise awareness about pet welfare & responsible ownership.
To view pets available for adoption, visit their Facebook page. For adoption enquiries & to schedule an appointment, contact 065 836 3203, email mazaratrescue@gmail.com or reach out using the contact form on their website. Reviews are also available on their Facebook page & Google Business Profile.
Process & Requirements
- Adoption enquiries can be made via phone, email, or Facebook.
- Adopters must be committed to lifelong care & prepared to provide a safe, loving home.
Mazarat will guide you through the adoption steps, including the matching process & any home suitability checks if applicable. - All animals are sterilised & vaccinated before rehoming.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All adoptable dogs & cats are:
- Sterilised
- Vaccinated
- Rehabilitated as needed
- Additional medical history or needs are communicated with adopters to ensure continuity of care.
Adoption Fee
- Adoption fees may vary slightly & typically help cover:
-
-
- Sterilisation
- Vaccinations
- General care & rehabilitation
-
Contact Mazarat directly for current rates.
Additional Services & Support
- Through their charity shop, gently used items are sold at their partner store, Once Upon a Time, raising funds for the shelter.
- They accept financial donations, pet food, cleaning supplies, blankets, & toys.
- Mazarat actively partners with schools & local vets for outreach & education.
- The shelter relies on dedicated volunteers for daily care & events.
6. Animal Antics Pet Rescue
Location: 18 Mkhize Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, 3660
Animal Antics Pet Rescue is a heartfelt, community-driven organisation dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, & rehoming vulnerable animals in the greater Bothas Hill & Valley of 1000 Hills area. Founded on unconditional love & care for all animals, their work extends far beyond rescue, reaching hundreds of dogs, cats, & other animals through feeding schemes, medical support, & education.
Their adoption process includes an application, vetting, & follow-up checks to ensure long-term well-being. They also take a strong stance against chaining & neglect, emphasising that all adopted pets must be treated as family members.
To enquire about adoption, complete the adoption application form or contact Animal Antics at 064 523 0661 or animalanticsrescue@gmail.com. You can also explore reviews via their Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
Process & Requirements
- Complete the online application form before enquiring.
- Each home must provide a safe, secure, & loving environment:
- All dogs must sleep indoors for at least 3 weeks post-adoption.
- Adequate shelter from rain, wind, & heat is required.
- Daily access to food & fresh water is mandatory.
- No chaining is permitted under any circumstances.
- Random post-adoption follow-ups will be conducted.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- All adopted animals receive:
- Deworming
- Initial vaccinations
- Sterilisation (if of age)
- Puppies & kittens must be sterilised at 5 months of age (discount available if not yet sterilised at adoption).
- Medical support is provided as needed for rescued animals before rehoming.
Adoption Fee
- Dogs/Puppies: R1 500 (includes sterilisation, full set of 3 puppy vaccinations, & deworming)
Additional Services & Support
- Through their Valley Feeding Scheme, they feed around 400 animals per week across rural communities.
- Support for emergency vet care, sterilisation, & Parvo virus vaccinations.
- Distribution of blankets, coats, & shelter supplies to animals in need.
- Promotes responsible pet ownership & animal welfare through community outreach & education.
7. Stray Paws
Location: 774 Clare Rd, Palmiet, Durban, 4001
Stray Paws is a community-focused animal welfare organisation dedicated to rescuing dogs & cats in distress, particularly those from low-income areas such as Welbedacht township, Umlazi, & Kwa-Dabeka near Durban. Their mission is to rehabilitate & rehome animals who have been abandoned, abused, or orphaned, while also addressing root causes of neglect through education & support.
Thorough & compassionate rehoming practices are used to ensure that each animal is adopted into a secure, loving environment. While exact steps may vary, the adoption process likely includes an application form, a visit to the centre, & a home inspection. The shelter provides medical care, including vaccinations, deworming, & sterilisation, before animals are adopted.
Contact Stray Paws via their contact form, email info@straypaws.co.za, or call 067 698 9876 to find out more. You can read reviews on their Google Business Profile or visit their Facebook page to see pets available for adoption.
Process & Requirements
- Complete an adoption enquiry via email, phone, or the contact form.
- A home inspection may be arranged to ensure safety, shelter, & suitability.
- Visiting the shelter to meet potential pets may form part of the process.
- Adopters must be prepared for a long-term commitment & provide proper care.
Medical Care & Vaccination Policy
- Animals are typically:
- Vaccinated
- Dewormed
- Sterilised before adoption
- Additional medical needs are addressed before rehoming, where required.
Adoption Fee
- Adoption fees are not listed online but may include:
- Basic veterinary care
- Sterilisation
- Vaccinations
- Contact Stray Paws for up-to-date fees & details via phone 067 698 9876 or email (info@straypaws.co.za).
Additional Services & Support
- Through their township feeding project, they feed over 190 animals daily across underprivileged communities.
- Reduces overpopulation through mobile sterilisation days, up to 130 animals treated per event.
- Promoting responsible pet care & compassion through outreach.
- They work with welfare organisations & local donors for food, supplies, & medical costs.
Final Thoughts: Best Dog Adoption Shelters in Durban
Adopting from a reputable dog shelter not only transforms the life of a rescue dog, but also brings joy, loyalty, & companionship into your home. Whether you choose a well-established organisation like the SPCA or a smaller rescue such as Paw Prints or Mazarat, each shelter listed here is committed to responsible adoption, animal welfare, & community support.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt, consider donating, fostering, or volunteering—every contribution plays a part in helping Durban’s rescue dogs find their forever families.
Once you’ve welcomed your new furry friend, make sure they’re protected for life’s unexpected moments. Explore MediPet’s pet insurance plans or get a quote in just a few clicks.
You can also explore related resources that can help you navigate pet care, such as the best doggy daycares in Durban, planning & saving for pet routine care, how to prevent ticks on dogs or steps for puppy potty training.
