Our Furry Friends

[August 2007] Animals take centre stage on Swest.info this month. Find out all about our furry and not so furry friends!

Life just wouldn't be the same without our pets - the joy, excitement and unconditional love they give us is truly remarkable. So we are dedicating this month to dogs, cats, birds and other exotic animals in Somerset West.

Monkey Town

Exotic animals can be pets, but we don't recommend it unless you know what you're getting yourself into and Monkey Town can help you understand why some exotic animals don't make the best pets.

Monkey Town Primate Sanctuary is home to over 230 individual primates with 27 different species in total including Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboons and Squirrel Monkeys to name just a few. All the primates roam free while you can view them from an enclosed walkway snaking through the park and guided tours are available.

Get up close and personal with the monkeys! Under the supervision of a guide in the interaction area you, can spend time with tame monkeys while they wonder around you. Where else can you get an opportunity like this?

If you thought Monkey Town was only about monkey's you'd be wrong! Wonder around the touch farmyard, which boasts a variety of animals including a pony, potbelly pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, guinea fowl, dwarf goat and mountain tortoises. Monkey Town is also home to many exotic birds including Cockatoos, Macaws and African Grey's.

Support Monkey Town

Monkey Town appreciates any contributions in the form of donations, fruit and vegetables, plants, building materials, toys, blankets, ropes, heating bulbs, magazines, videos and books on wildlife (especially monkeys) for our educational section and school programme! You can also adopt a monkey - click here for more information.

Functions

Monkey Town is the perfect location for a function. They host birthday parties, year end functions, bachelor and hen parties and weddings. The team will go all out to ensure your event is one to remember. Monkey Town is an experience for the whole family and day full of fun and excitement.

Read all about the day in the life of Collette, General Manager of Monkey Town »

Exotic Birds

Owning birds is a huge responsibility to take on. Tracy Gerard, local resident and owner of an African Grey has drafted this 'Bill of Rights' to give you an insight into what it takes to raise an exotic bird. Read more »

Cats and Dogs

There's nothing better than pitter patter of tiny paws! If you've made the decision to extend your family, we'd like to recommend the Animal Welfare Society as your first call.

The Animal Welfare Society (AWS) has been looking after animals in the Helderberg area for over 50 years and they do a fantastic job! They don't receive any help from the government so fund raising is an integral part of the organisation.

The funds raised go towards the day to day running of the kennels, which includes feeding and caring for the stray and unwanted animals, paying veterinary costs and the up keep on the kennels. The AWS have a mobile clinic visiting various areas in the Helderberg to dip, inoculate, deworm and give mange injections as well as general advice to the pet owners.

What does it cost to adopt?

If you want to adopt from the Animal Welfare, there is a cost involved to neuter / spay and inoculate the animal to ensure it stays healthy and does not have any unwanted puppies or kittens. Male dog: R260, Small Female: R270, Medium Female: R330, Large Female: R380. This is a small price to pay to save a dog's life and give them a loving home.

How can you help?

You can support the AWS by regularly visiting their charity shop located at 42 Reitz Sreet which is run by volunteers, who do tremendous work. They also have a bi-yearly fete at the N.G. Kerk or if you would just like to make a donation, phone Moira on 021 852 2268 for more details.

Find out more about the Animal Welfare Society »

Training

Training is for dogs! Unfortunately, man's best friend doesn't figure out basic obedience on their own, so they must be trained.

Training helps you to learn the basic principles behind training your dog on an ongoing basis. You will also learn more about each other, dog behaviour and how to work together to create a happy home life.

Somerset West has a number of dog trainers where you can take your puppies for training or slightly older dogs to address a behavioural problem.

More information on Dog Trainers »

Pet food and accessories

The rich and famous have made pet accessories very fashionable, but keep it simple and classy - don't over do it!

What you feed your pets is of paramount importance to keep them healthy and young. A good brand of pellets with some veggies and rice mixed in is a great idea. Tip - mash all your left overs, potatos peels, carrots peels, etc. and make a really nice broth to go with the pellets. Cats love a bit of mince and chicken as a treat every now and then. Pets are often quite fussy, so it can take a while figuring out what your pet likes best.

More information on Pet Shops »

Vets

Somerset West has a number of reputable veterinary clinics. Remember to take your animals for their yearly injections and don't forget to de-worm every 3 - 6 months.

More information on Vets »

Grooming your pets

A well groomed pet is a happy pet! Make sure you get your pets brushed and shampooed on a regular basis. Somerset West has some great grooming parlours that collect and drop off making life a lot easier for you.

More information on Grooming »

Kennels and Pet Hotels

Most often your pets can't go on holiday with you, so who is going to take care of them? The Helderberg has a number of kennels and pet hotels that will look after your 'babies' and make sure you can relax on your holiday with the knowledge that they are safe and being looked after.

More information on Kennels »

Exercise

Excercise and interaction are very important for our pets. Try and take your dog for a walk every day - otherwise try and get out there at least 3 times a week. If you're not sure where to go, take a look a the map we've put together of all the places where you can take your dogs for a walk in Somerset West.

Download Swest Pets Walking Map