Cape of No Hope SPCA

I took my cat to the Grassy Park SPCA yesterday as she seemed lethargic and I knew something was wrong. I arrived at 10am, and there were roughly 8 people ahead of me. I informed the woman at the door that my cat felt incredibly warm, she had stopped eating that morning and I was concerned as she was acting out of character. Nonetheless, I was told to wait, so I did.

I was only seen at 2:45 pm. When I was eventually seen, the consult was lack lustre. After an almost 5 hour wait, I had to indicate that my cat felt hot before her temp was taken, it was 41 degrees. She was immediately admitted.

I had to wait again to pay, this is where my experience went from disturbed to absolutely disgusted. Lauren, one of the receptionists handed me a R2000 bill and a vague explanation. after a 5 hour wait and a lot of emotional distress, I paid the deposit and didn't query it.

We were also never informed that these costs are generated off of household income. They asked for household income but no household expenditure. How did she determine what I could pay without determining what my expenses are? And why isn't this explained to the customer in a transparent manner?

Today, I call for an update, an equally lackluster Lauren answers. She cannot provide any update other than the cat is okay, still on meds and going into theatre? Excuse me? Theatre? Yes, she says, irritably, to see the vet. Again, no explanation. So I ask about her temperature. Lauren, asks: "what about her temperature".... After a R2000 vet bill one would think that they provide an update on the very thing my beloved pet was admitted for.

The overall attitude at this branch of the SPCA is at best unmotivated and at worst apathetic. As an animal ***** I am saddened by the lack of empathy shown. There's no integrity and after what I received yesterday. Right now I'm concerned about the wellbeing of my cat.

I hope that this perspective does not go unnoticed. The system is problematic and the animals deserve better.