Category: charity

  • LESS LITTERS, MORE LOVE: HOW DOTSURE.CO.ZA SUPPORTS PET STERILISATION DRIVES ACROSS SA

    LESS LITTERS, MORE LOVE: HOW DOTSURE.CO.ZA SUPPORTS PET STERILISATION DRIVES ACROSS SA

     

    At dotsure.co.za, we believe that protecting pets is about so much more than when an insurance policy kicks in. That’s why our mission is to support big-hearted vets and animal heroes across the country who protect and care for our pets, too.

    When it comes to loving pets, fur parents dot every “I” for sure. However, there’s one significant act of love that is often overlooked: pet sterilisation. It is something close to the heart of Elize Goosen, Branch Manager at the SPCA Garden Route Mossel Bay, and her dedicated team, who work tirelessly to end animal cruelty. We were proud to join forces with the SPCA in their mission to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals by sponsoring the sterilisation of 222 pets.

     

    Why Pet Sterilisation is Important

    Pet Sterilisation (aka spaying and neutering) isn’t just about preventing an uprising of puppies and kittens (like in The Planet of the Apes), it’s about preventing suffering. In many areas, shelters are bursting at the seams.

    According to Elize, “Pet overpopulation is a major concern. The Garden Route SPCA in Mossel Bay and George took in over 11,000 unwanted animals over the past year alone.” That’s 11,000 wagging tails looking for homes and far too few arms to hold them and pet parents to love them. But this figure only represents the animals that found help. Countless more are still roaming the streets, neglected, abandoned, or suffering in silence.

    Sterilisation is also a major health win. “Sterilised pets are less likely to roam, fight, or develop cancers of the reproductive system,” Elize explains.

    RELATED: DOES PET INSURANCE COVER STERILISATION?

     

    The Real Cost of Pet Sterilisation and Community Drives

    The average dog sterilisation cost in SA can range from R600 to R2 000, depending on the size and gender, and that’s before considering fuel, anaesthetic, or aftercare. For welfare groups without government funding, those costs adds up faster than you can say “good boy.”

    That is why sponsorships matter. dotsure.co.za’s support means groups such as the SPCA can focus on the doing instead of the fundraising. And that translates into healthier pets, safer streets, and communities with a little less heartbreak.

     

    Partnering with the Mossel Bay SPCA and Animal Clinics

    “The support we have received from dotsure.co.za made a massive impact on our work. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to sterilise 222 domestic animals without the financial strain it would normally place on our branch. This kind of support is truly life-changing. Without it, many of these animals might have contributed to the already overwhelming overpopulation crisis. Instead, they now have a healthier, more secure future.

    Ongoing support from companies such as dotsure.co.za allows us to plan ahead, set achievable sterilisation goals, and focus our energy on reducing the suffering of animals in our community.”

    Elize couldn’t have said it better. Her words capture exactly what lives in our hearts and drives us to provide Soft Landings for pets, vets, welfare organisations, and communities.

     

    Helping Communities Create Long-Term Change Through Pet Sterilisation Drives

    To us, wholehearted care means more than paying vet bills or sponsoring pet sterilisation drives. It’s about helping pets live healthier, safer lives and supporting our big-hearted vets, so they know they are not alone in this fight.

    As Elize put it so beautifully, “dotsure.co.za gave us more than funding, they gave us hope. The energy and renewed sense of purpose it brought to our staff, who deal with cruelty, neglect, and heartbreak daily, was truly uplifting. It reminded us of why we do what we do and that we’re not alone. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank dotsure.co.za.”

    RELATED: OUR COMMUNITY CAT STERILISATION PROGRAMME

     

    How You Can Help Create Soft Landings Too

    As the insurer who cares the most, we always aim to show up with care, compassion, and a bit of that spirit of ubuntu that says, “we’ve got you.” But we can’t do it alone.

    Here’s how you can join us to create Soft Landings:

    • Sterilise your pets. It’s the ultimate act of love.
    • Adopt a fur baby. Give a homeless pet a forever home.
    • Support your local SPCA. Donate, volunteer, or simply share their posts.
    • Insure your pet with dotsure.co.za. Every policy bought online helps support animal welfare causes, such as pet sterilisations.

    Visit dotsure.co.za to explore wholehearted pet insurance options or contact us anytime to learn more about how we’re creating Soft Landings across South Africa.

  • WE LOVE VETS: FUNDING A CAT STERILISATION PROGRAMME

    WE LOVE VETS: FUNDING A CAT STERILISATION PROGRAMME

     

    In Kimberley, a small act of kindness has grown into a big-hearted initiative changing the lives of stray cats. Local actress Robyn Rossouw and her mom, Heloïse Rossouw, never expected their journey to begin with a few feral cats wandering onto their back stoep in 2021. What started with food bowls soon became a mission to care for, and sterilise, the neighbourhood’s cats. “We knew that if we could control the cat population, we’d give them a better chance at life,” says Robyn. 

     

    Since then, Robyn and her family, with the help of MediVet Kimberley, have sterilised dozens of cats, leading to happier colonies with fewer stray litters. Cats like Boolie and Mama Kiets (long-time escape artists) were finally sterilised after years of effort, marking a rewarding milestone for the team. 

     

    Recognising the importance of this work, we contributed to assist MediVet with sterilisation costs earlier this year, and we’re continuing to help sustain the programme until year-end. This commitment has inspired other local businesses to match the donations and extend the impact of this vital cause. 

     

    Dr Katharina van der Linde and Dr Greta du Preez from MediVet explain why these initiatives are so important: “Sterilisation prevents overpopulation and reduces the spread of diseases like FIV and feline leukemia. It also helps cats live healthier, less stressful lives. Thanks to the support from partners and local heroes, we can keep expanding this programme.” 

    Dr Katharina van der Linde and Dr Greta du Preez from MediVet Kimberley

     

    For Robyn and her family, the mission is as much about compassion as it is about population control. “Feeding strays is good, but ensuring long-term improvements in local cat colonies is even better. Helping just one cat can make a big difference.” 

    Sterilising stray cats is about so much more than population control. Female cats can avoid the strain of repeated pregnancies, while males are less likely to roam, fight, or spread diseases. It also makes life easier for communities. With fewer strays competing for food and territory, there is less risk of injuries or illness spreading between pets and ferals. That’s something everyone can feel good about! 

     

    Mittens (Tuxedo), Benji (Tabby) and Weasley (Ginger)

     

    Since we’re a pet-obsessed family here at dotsure.co.za, we believe in creating Soft Landings for animals and the people who care for them. It’s initiatives like this one in Kimberley, with the invaluable support of local vets, where kindness and community spirit truly make a difference.    

     

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • What does “neutered” mean? It refers to the surgical procedure that prevents male cats from reproducing. 
    • What is spaying? Spaying is the sterilisation of female cats, preventing repeated pregnancies. 
    • When can a cat be sterilised? Vets recommend as early as possible, especially for strays, to reduce health risks.
    • What’s the cost of sterilising a cat? It varies depending on vet care, medication, and recovery needs, which is where contributions and community support are crucial. 

     

     

     

    Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023/2024 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press. 

     

  • DOTSURE.CO.ZA AND AACL JOIN FORCES FOR ANIMALS IN NEED

    DOTSURE.CO.ZA AND AACL JOIN FORCES FOR ANIMALS IN NEED

     

    At dotsure.co.za, our purpose is simple: providing our world with Soft Landings. Whether it’s our people, policyholders or our communities, Soft Landings embodies the gentle care, understanding and good outcomes we strive to deliver daily. We’ve partnered with the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) to support their big-hearted welfare vets. These incredible professionals dedicate their lives to caring for animals in need and we’re proud to stand beside them in their mission!

    Supporting Big-hearted Vets Who Care for Our Pets

    Last year, we donated over R150 000 to the AACL!

    AACL welfare vets are the unsung heroes of the animal world. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, going above and beyond for pets and pet parents to provide veterinary care. Their job is not for the faint of heart.

    And, at dotsure.co.za, we know that being big-hearted isn’t always easy, which is why we’ve been striving to provide financial support to make their care possible. Last year, we donated R150 000 to support their vital work so that these big-hearted vets can continue making a difference in the lives of our pets!

    Did you know? When you buy a pet insurance policy online, you’re contributing directly to their efforts! Every policy purchased helps ensure these big-hearted vets have the resources they need to keep on saving lives.

    How You Can Help?

    You don’t need a stethoscope to make a difference. Here’s how you can join us to support AACL and their big-hearted vets:

    • Donate: Every rand helps to provide critical care to animals in need.
    • Adopt: Give a rescue pet the loving home they’ve been waiting for.
    • Share: Spread the word about the incredible work being done by the AACL.

    Watch the Big-hearted Vets in Action!

    Do you want to see the magic of Soft Landings in motion? Check out our latest TV ad about our big-hearted Vets and how we support them here.

    Together We Can Make a Difference

    We’re committed to doing good, thinking good and being good. With your help, we can provide even more Soft Landings to the pets and vets who need them most.

    Let’s continue to uplift the big-hearted vets of the AACL and create a world where every wagging tail and purr-fect paw gets the happy ending it deserves.