Innovative pet taxi revolutionises animal care in South Africa

In an innovative first for South Africa, Network for Animals, in collaboration with AfriPaw, has developed a revolutionary solution to reach more animals in need: a two-wheeled trailer powered by pedaling, equipped with a spacious cage for animals, and pulled by a bicycle.

“This unique ‘pet taxi’ has dramatically expanded their reach, enabling teams to deliver crucial veterinary services to even more animals across the Cape Flats,” explained Gloria Davies, CEO & Founder of Network for Animals.

The pet taxi is a game-changer for the local community, helping Network for Animals and their partners, AfriPaw and TEARS Animal Rescue, provide vital veterinary care through a free clinic. 

Davies said the clinic helps hundreds of dogs and cats every month, offering services such as regular deworming, tick and flea treatment, wound care, vaccinations, and sterilisation.

“To incentivise locals to bring their pets to the clinic, the team offers free food, collars, and kennels. This initiative ensures that the area’s animals receive the care they need, even if they’re struggling with accessibility.

“However, many residents face significant challenges when it comes to getting their pets to the clinic,” Davies explained.

“Some roads are too narrow or filled with potholes that make car access impossible. Others have pets that are too old, aggressive, or anxious to travel. Some owners have their own mobility issues, and some are simply too scared to cross gang lines in the area’s volatile, often-violent environment.”

This is where the pet taxi comes in, offering a safe and reliable means of transportation. Already, it has proven to be a lifesaver. 

In February, the team used the pet taxi to rescue animals caught in a fire at a nearby liquor store.

“When members saw the smoke, we knew we had to act fast. We rushed in with the pet taxi and saved six adult dogs and one puppy from the raging inferno.”

Despite the danger, the team managed to move the adult dogs to safety and secured the terrified puppy in the pet taxi, ensuring it was far from the flames.

“The pet taxi is not just a transport solution, it’s a lifeline for animals in desperate situations,” said Davies.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

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