Paws Haven Pauses Intakes and Launches Emergency Appeals Amid Facility Overhaul and Food Shortage

With high animal numbers, critical infrastructure repairs underway, and shrinking food reserves, the organization is leaning on community support to help maintain care for its rescues.

Here is an overview of the shelter's current operational status, facility improvement projects, and immediate supply needs.

Kennels Reach Capacity: Temporary Pause on Intakes

Paws Haven has reached 100% capacity, resulting in a temporary pause on all new animal intakes, except for extreme emergency situations.

To create space for essential structural repairs on site, the shelter has temporarily transferred approximately 25 dogs to external boarding facilities. While this move ensures the animals remain well cared for during construction, it incurs significant daily accommodation expenses.

For members of the public wishing to contribute toward these emergency boarding costs, Paws Haven accepts direct contributions using a dedicated payment reference:

Boarding Fund Banking Details:

• Bank: Nedbank

• Account Number: 132 156 5046 (Cheque)

• Branch Code: 198 765

• Payment Reference: BOARDING

Facility Upgrades: Grounds and Landscaping Improvements

Alongside kennel repairs, Paws Haven is working to improve outdoor areas to create safer and cleaner environments for both animals and staff. The shelter is currently seeking targeted donations of grass/sod and cement for the following areas:

1. New Free-Running Exercise Park: Site preparations are in progress to build a dedicated play space where dogs can exercise outside their kennels. (Material Needed: Grass/Sod)

2. Behind the Cattery: Frequent water run-off from daily cleaning routines leaves this section consistently muddy. (Material Needed: Cement or Grass)

3. New Laundry Area: A cleaner surface is required around the washing lines to reduce mud accumulation. (Material Needed: Grass/Sod to assist with ground drainage)

Supply Status: Emergency Appeals for Food and Blankets

The shelter is experiencing an acute shortage of dry animal food and bedding supplies:

• Dry Food Shortage: Paws Haven utilizes roughly 40 kg of dry dog food daily. Current dry food reserves are expected to last only through the upcoming weekend.

• Empty Blanket Storage: Due to standard wear and routine replacement, the shelter’s backup supply of blankets is entirely exhausted.

In-Demand Supply Items:

• Dry Dog & Puppy Food

• Dry Cat & Kitten Food

• New or gently used second-hand blankets

Support from Local Community Partners

Several local businesses and individuals have stepped forward to assist Paws Haven during this period:

• Tip Top Kennels: Assisted by taking in 20 of the shelter's dogs for temporary boarding during facility maintenance. (Contact: 082 753 8082)

• Danie Human & DJ Prosteel: Provided labor and materials to reconstruct secure fencing around the exercise areas. (Contact: 067 355 7842)

• Foal’s Hill Grooming Parlour: Donated professional grooming services for a rescued stray in need of care. (Instagram: @foalshillgrooming)

Navigating operational hurdles requires steady community collaboration. Whether through donating food and blankets, assisting with boarding costs, or providing construction materials, public involvement plays a key role in supporting Paws Haven's ongoing animal welfare efforts in Potchefstroom.

#PawsHaven

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