Woodrock Animal Rescue Turns Compassion into Care, Corporate Cuddles and Forever Homes

Woodrock Animal Rescue is a shelter in Gauteng dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming furry friends. The rescue cares for over 500 animals including donkeys, pigs, chickens, rabbits, geese, goats, dogs, and cats, all ready for a new home.

In addition to their rescue efforts, Woodrock Animal Rescue has various initiatives that contribute to the joy and comfort of the animals in their care. Here are some of the incredible things that this NGO does.

Improve employees’ mental wellness with Paws at Work

The Paws at Work programme creates a welcoming space where you can unwind and embrace a sense of calm with the furry friends being cared for at Woodrock Animal Rescue.

This programme taps into the positive mental qualities that animals can offer human beings through puppy therapy. This innovative approach involves bringing some of the lovely furballs to your workplace, giving employees the opportunity to interact with young puppies or older dogs to help alleviate stress, offer emotional support, and provide comfort.

Puppy therapy can effectively reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, while enhancing happiness, motivation, and workplace relationships. Plus, research indicates that interacting with animals can significantly enhance mental well-being in people. The experience also gives the animals a chance to socialise with new people.

Book this experience for your workplace by downloading the form here.

Soothe your feline fever at the Cat Café

Plus, for the cat lovers, Woodrock Animal Rescue also has a Cat Café, nestled in the heart of Kyalami. The cafe is a space where you can cuddle, play, and connect with adorable feline friends, all while giving back to animal welfare. The cafe supports Woodrock Animal Rescue by raising funds, creating awareness, and promoting mental well-being through animal interaction.

Cost: R125 per adult; R110 per kid u/12. Make a booking via Google Form

When: Daily from 9am to 5pm
Where: Woodrock Cat Café, Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre, Witpoort, Midrand

Pet Hotel at Woodrock Animal Rescue | What's on in Joburg

Give your pets their own getaway at the Pet Hotel

Tucked away in the peaceful slopes of the Hennops River Valley, you’ll find Woodrock’s Pet Hotel. If you’re heading on a holiday and want to leave your pet in good hands, this is the place to do it.

Under the loving care of the dynamic duo, Stella and Nicholas Meldau, it’s a cosy haven for your beloved pet, where every dog is treated like royalty. Woodrock’s founders are animal lovers through and through, showering each guest with the love and care that makes their stay feel like a vacation.

Note that all dogs boarding are required to be sterilised, all vaccines to be up to date, including kennel cough, tick and flea, and deworming treatment at least 1 week before arrival.

Cost: R180 per guest per night throughout the year (excluding the mid and high seasons); R220 per guest per night during school and public holidays (mid season); R250 per guest per night during December and January (high season). Contact the Pet Hotel via tel at 084 585 2418

Where: Woodrock Animal Rescue, Plot 51, R511, Pretoria Rural, Pretoria

Adopt a dog or cate at Woodrock Animal Rescue | What's on in Joburg

Adopt your own pet companion

Woodrock Animal Rescue has a variety of lovely dogs and cats, ready and waiting to find a new forever home through adoption. By choosing a rescue, you break the cycle of pet overpopulation and give an animal the chance at a long, happy life.

Those who are not looking for the lifetime commitment of welcoming a new pet into their home, but that would still like to contribute to the happiness of some of the pets at the rescue that may never be adopted, Virtual Adoption is also an option. For Long Life pet residents, Isabella and Nugget, a monthly Virtual Adoption fee of R150 helps to keep their world filled with care, calm, and kindness.

Owners who wish to rehome their pets can also do so through Woodrock Animal Rescue. Life changes, but every pet deserves a safe and happy future. The Rescue’s Home-to-Home Adoptions help connect families who can no longer keep their pets with those ready to open their hearts and homes.

Adoption fees

Puppies – R1950: includes first vaccination, deworming, flea treatment, and microchipping. Should the puppy not be ready for sterilisation at the time of going home, Woodrock will provide a sterilisation certificate to be claimed by one of their affiliated Vets. Proof of sterilisation is to be sent to Woodrock.

Adult Dogs – R1750: includes vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, and sterilisation. If you adopt an additional adult dog, you will receive a 25% discount on the second dog.

Adult Cats – R1250: includes vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, and sterilisation. If you adopt an additional adult cat, you will receive a 25% discount on the second cat.

Kittens – R1400: includes vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, and sterilisation.

A R200 non-refundable adoption and booking fee is payable on application. This amount will be deducted from the total adoption fee if the application for the adoption is successful. Download the adoption form or contact Woodrock Animal Rescue directly via tel at 082 925 3133.

Volunteer at Woodrock Animal Rescue | What's on in Joburg

Get involved through ‘Pop Pups’ and volunteering

‘Pop Pups’ are an opportunity for the dogs at the rescue to enjoy a fun-filled day with familiar doggie faces and the Pop Pup volunteer team at park-like venues. Potential adopters can also stop by to mingle with the dogs to help them make their decision.

Pop Pup locations and hours:

Woodrock Animal Rescue, Plot 51, R511, Pretoria Rural, Pretoria – Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm
Fourways Crossing, William Nicol Dr & Sunrise Boulevard, Sunset Ave, Lone Hill, Sandton – Saturday from 9.30am to 2pm
Nine Yards, 167 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Randburg – Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm

Programmes like Pop Pups are powered by volunteers. If you’re a solo volunteer, a school group, or part of a corporate team, your time and love can make a huge difference in the lives of the animals at Woodrock Animal Rescue.

Volunteers become lifelines for shelter dogs and help uncover the pets’ personalities whilst exercising and having fun with them. These are how many volunteers are needed at each Pop Pup location: