About us
Vision
To see communities that treasure their pets, provide for their needs, and protect them from suffering and disease.
Mission
To partner with low-income communities to educate families on their pets’ primary needs and facilitate access to affordable support services, with a focus on mass sterilisation.
Objectives
Our Objectives are to encourage responsible and accountable pet ownership and prevent neglect by:
-
Building relationships with the community to create a trusting and enabling environment.
-
Educating the community on the primary needs and healthcare of their animals.
-
Facilitating access to affordable medical care, food and shelter.
Our 2025/26 In Numbers
pets sterilised
Pet clinic visits
Individual pets supported
Critical vet treatments
Food parcels provided
Kennels provided to sterilised pets
Active volunteers
WE DON’T BEGIN BY REMOVING ANIMALS.
We aim to foster a culture of collective responsibility where every animal is valued
We begin by working with pet owners. AfriPaw comes alongside families, builds relationships and teaches them how to care for their pets – breaking the cycle where surrendered pets are simply replaced while the root causes remain.
Neglect of pets often occurs because essential services and support to ensure ideal pet care are inaccessible and unaffordable to pet owners. We find that most pet owners welcome us and embrace our help with deep gratitude and co-operation.
We want to foster responsible pet ownership and accountability in our partner communities by promoting optimal pet care and working with community volunteers and role-models.
Removal of pets often aids owners to quickly replace the old pet with a new puppy or kitten, resulting in a vicious cycle where little lasting good is achieved.
From Vrygrond to the Western Cape — and beyond.
Communities served
Vrygrond · Capricorn · Overcome Heights · Seawinds · Lavender Hill · Montagu Village · Hillview
Established in Vrygrond &
Seawinds (separated by a gang
line)
Replicate Pet Clinics into more
areas, equip more local
Ambassadors, increase reach
Roll out Ambassador-led, data-
driven replication of the model
across multiple communities
Widespread replication of the
model across regions
BORN IN VRYGROND. BUILT WITH THE COMMUNITY.
Established in 2017 in Vrygrond, near Muizenberg in the Western Cape, AfriPaw partners with low-income communities to make primary pet care possible and accessible for families who would otherwise have no help.
The formation of AfriPaw was inspired by local Marina Da Gama resident, Annette van der Berg, who started feeding a small number of township dogs in Vrygrond (an informal settlement near Muizenberg in the Western Cape) every morning on her way to work. The few dogs quickly became 10, then 20 and then 30. Annette started working with the community by helping people with their pets, scouting the area over weekends, facilitating sterilisations, re-homing unwanted pets and stepping in when there were emergencies. Her faithful work soon came to the attention of a reporter from a local newspaper, The False Bay Echo. An article, entitled “Feeding the Hungry Hounds” appeared on 9 February 2017 and Fish Hoek resident, Anél Wesson responded to the general invitation for assistance. The two joined forces the very next day and the idea of AfriPaw was conceived.
From first contact to responsible ownership.
Many owners care deeply for their animals but lack the money, transport, information and support to provide consistent care. Our work is designed to change habits over time. Owners move along a practical care pathway — each step earning trust, recognition and further support.
Behavioural change model
Sterilise their pets
Attend Pet Clinics regularly
Parasite control & vaccinations
Earn a Pet Clinic Card
Qualify for food, kennels & vet care
Responsible, accountable owner
Pet Clinic Cards are powerful — owners value the public acknowledgement of responsible pet care, turning good habits into a source of pride
