Mdzananda Animal Clinic brings Christmas cheer to 332 pets in Khayelitsha

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter spread festive joy to pets across Khayelitsha on Tuesday, December 23, distributing 332 food gift packs to dogs and cats and their owners.

Led by Veterinary Welfare Assistant Buyisiwe Gubese, staff dressed in Christmas outfits delivered parcels filled with pet food and treats throughout the township. Ms Gubese said the initiative celebrated the loyalty and love pets provide.

"This project aims to foster a sense of community, spreading joy, love and appreciation for our furry friends during the festive season. In a year like 2025, which brought many challenges, our pets remained loyal, loving, and present every single day,” she said.

Mdzananda said it noted a rise in abandoned pets over the festive season, largely due to community members travelling without making suitable care arrangements for their animals.

Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda, said the shelter is full and under financial pressure but remains committed to supporting pets and pet owners.

“Even though our shelter and clinic are full to the brim this festive season, placing us under immense financial pressure, we still try our best to brighten the lives of pets and pet owners in the community by handing out food parcels."

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, which will be celebrating 30 years of service in 2026, assists about 1 500 pets every month through veterinary care, sterilisation programmes, hospitalisation, mobile clinics, adoptions, and pet-owner education.

Donations to support the shelter can be made via www.mdzananda.co.za or directly to Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

For more information, call this number: 021 367 6001, or send an email to marcelle@mdzananda.co.za, marketing@mdzananda.co.za.