Harare SPCA

12/04/2026

https://youtu.be/RCDsgLJtDzE?si=u9GQGonlrmVf_Y4d

My song Shamwari was inspired by spending time with the beautiful fur-family at Mutare SPCA(Zimbabwe)—where we were blessed to adopt four of our own precious...

12/04/2026

THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL COSTS OF FETCH

Dogs often exhibit a strong affinity for chasing balls due to the activation of their predatory motor pattern, which stimulates internal rewards associated with dopamine and serotonin release. In their natural environment, wild or free-roaming dogs typically hunt in short, intense bursts followed by periods of calm consumption and rest. It is rare to observe these animals engaging in prolonged, frantic running while hunting, as this behaviour can induce stress and frustration.

However, in a domestic setting, guardians frequently engage their dogs in repetitive ball-throwing and fetch activities despite the potential physical and psychological strain on the animal.

Prolonged engagement in such activities, particularly with the use of launching devices, can lead to significant joint degeneration, arthritis, and ligament injuries due to high-impact movements. Furthermore, it can result in dopamine-driven addiction, manifesting as obsessive behaviors, heightened arousal, poor impulse control, and difficulties in calming down. In dogs already prone to high arousal levels, this could potentially lead to manic behaviour.

Therefore, achieving balance is crucial; limiting fetch exercises to brief daily sessions or incorporating low-arousal, mentally stimulating activities between fetch sessions is advisable.

I'm not advocating for the stopping of playing fetch, especially if it brings your dog joy while providing quality time and bonding opportunities with you. It's more about achieving a balance between high arousal games and low arousal mental stimulation activities, while reducing the probability of physical damage to their bodies as they age.

12/04/2026

UPDATE
Regrettably, the decision was made to euthanize this poor boy. It was not an easy decision to make but it was the right one.He had suffered enough and sadly we found him too late. His body was shutting down. He did not die alone, on the side of the road. He was with people who cared.
Fly high boy. You mattered to us.

TO the finder of this emaciated boy, THANK YOU for reaching out to Harare Spca for help.
The dog is being checked by the vet as we speak.
We have travelled this road so many times and it doesn't get easier. Some dogs make it, and some don't. Keep him in your thoughts.

12/04/2026

Good morning from the Harare Spca cat house🏠
Time to rise and shine🌅
A little bird🐦whispered in my ear that 23 slabs of tinned cat food are now paid for. Thank you🐾
That only leaves 36 to go, and Spca can buy the bulk order at a discounted price.
We are so grateful.
My name is MIA. Im a very affectionate girl looking for a home. Please come and meet me and my feline friends at the Harare Spca. We'd love to see you.

11/04/2026

May I have your attention, please💥
My name is BLUE
I am one of about 100 cats at the Harare Spca.
We need help. An offer of discounted tins of cat food has been made, but the coffers are empty.
Our human team is struggling to source enough fresh chicken pet mince for us as there have been shortages.
We need 15 kgs per day. As it is, this is costly, and the shortages have seriously impacted the feeding of the cats in the shelter.
The offered discounted tinned food is for 59 cases in total.
Would you be able to help?
Your donations will be so appreciated. One of our adored cat volunteers has pledged to buy 5 cases already
Please contact us on our Facebook Inbox if you can help us.

10/04/2026

Meet Grayson. He arrived at the Harare Spca as an unneutered ,tatty stray. His face bore the scars of cat brawls, yet he's proved to be the gentlest, friendliest cat we've seen in a long time. Socially, he integrated easily with all cats from small kittens to adults.
Nobody claimed him, so we decided to promote him to the hospital manager. He has a special place in the office . When he's had a well-deserved snooze, he checks on the clients in reception or soaks up the sun outside the back door.You will be seeing a lot more of him on our posts.

09/04/2026

Meet Mango. Isn't he gorgeous?
He is affectionate and good with other cats.
Mango is a young neutered male looking for the purrfect home.
Adop policies apply