According to the clinic, this critical sponsorship extends to the administration of five-in-one vaccinations, which protect pets from deadly viruses such as parvovirus and distemper, along with providing dewormers to ensure the overall health of Khayelitsha's animals. 

"We are honoured to receive this sponsorship from FOUR PAWS, which is enabling us to protect the animals of Khayelitsha and ensure essential primary health care," says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda. "Vaccinations are a vital component of safeguarding both pets and the community."

According to the clinic, rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. Vaccinating pets is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies, which remains a significant public health concern. 

World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness of this preventable disease and to promote rabies prevention efforts worldwide.

"With the recent outbreak of rabies in Cape Town, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of keeping your pet vaccinations up to date, sadly a costly endeavour for many people. That is why we partnered with Mdzananda Animal Clinic to help provide 1 000 additional five-in-one plus leptospirosis vaccinations to support the rabies vaccinations from the Western Cape State Veterinarian to serve a community in need," says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS. 

"As FOUR PAWS, we want to encourage everyone to learn more about rabies prevention and to take action by ensuring their pets are vaccinated. By protecting our pets, we are protecting ourselves and our communities," adds Miles. 

As Mdzananda Animal Clinic celebrates 28 years of serving the Khayelitsha community this October, the clinic says it continues to provide a broad range of services, including:

  • consultations
  • a hospital
  • an operating theatre
  • ongoing sterilisation drives
  • an animal ambulance
  • mobile clinics
  • an inspection department, and
  • a homeless shelter for animals in need.

Central to its mission is the education of pet owners, empowering them to provide the best care for their pets and to foster a compassionate relationship between humans and animals, the clinic concludes.

For more information, visit www.mdzananda.co.za or contact info@mdzananda.co.za. You can also follow the Mdzananda Animal Clinic on Facebook, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor