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Critical Skills at Risk: South African Veterinarians Leaving the Country in Increasing Numbers

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Veterinarians

Critical Skills at Risk: South African Veterinarians Leaving the Country in Increasing Numbers

South Africa, September 2024 – The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is sounding the alarm as an increasing number of veterinarians are leaving the country, taking with them critical skills that are essential to the health and well-being of animals, humans and the environment. This growing exodus is a concerning trend that could have severe implications for the veterinary profession and the broader public health sector in South Africa.

According to recent data, the migration of veterinarians from South Africa has accelerated, driven by a combination of factors including better employment opportunities abroad, challenging working conditions locally, unrealistic client expectations and concerns about the country’s economic and social stability. The loss of these highly trained professionals is not only a blow to the veterinary community but also to the agricultural sector, wildlife conservation efforts, and public health initiatives that rely heavily on their expertise.

Dr. Paul van der Merwe, President of SAVA, emphasises the urgency of addressing this issue: “Veterinarians are a cornerstone of our nation’s health services, and their departure creates a void that will be nearly impossible to fill. We need to take immediate action to retain these critical skills within our borders, or we risk compromising the health and well-being of our animals, our food safety and security, and ultimately, our population.”

The South African Veterinary Association is calling for a collaborative effort between the government, the private sector, and the veterinary community to develop strategies aimed at retaining veterinarians. Key proposals include improving working conditions, offering competitive salaries, mentorship and providing greater support for the challenges faced by veterinarians in South Africa.

As the exodus continues, the future of veterinary services in South Africa is bleak. The South African Veterinary Association is committed to finding solutions that will encourage veterinarians to remain in the country and continue their vital work. SAVA will be engaging with stakeholders across the board and canvass support for its programs to address this pressing issue and ensure that South Africa does not lose more of its invaluable veterinary professionals.

South African Veterinary Association Calls for Immediate Action in Poultry Industry Crisis

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Poultry

South African Veterinary Association Calls for Immediate Action in Poultry Industry Crisis

Johannesburg, 29 September 2023 – The South African Poultry Industry is grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which poses a severe threat to every chicken farm in the country. Despite rigorous biosecurity measures in place, the spread of HPAI has proven relentless, leaving the industry in a dire situation.

Challenges in Containing HPAI

The precise reasons behind the rapid spread of HPAI remain unclear, but a combination of factors including the high contagiousness of the virus, unfavourable weather conditions, and challenges in preventing the movement of infected birds have contributed to its uncontrolled proliferation. This has led to a distressing reality where well-planned biosecurity measures have not halted its advance, leaving the poultry industry in crisis.

Immediate Call for Action

The severity of this crisis necessitates an urgent and decisive response. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) urgently calls upon the government to permit the immediate importation of HPAI vaccines targeting H7 and H5 Influenza viruses. These vaccines have been registered and used effectively in other countries dealing with HPAI outbreaks.

“Given the critical nature of the situation, SAVA urges that these vaccines be evaluated for emergency importation under Section 21 of Act 101, designed to address such crises promptly. Approval from the Director of Animal Health is essential and must be expedited. While these vaccines may not have been fully tested against local HPAI strains, their immediate use is vital during this severe emergency”, says Dr. Wilhelm Maré, Chairman of the Poultry Group of SAVA.

The relative affordability of poultry meat makes it an important protein for millions of low-income South Africans. Furthermore, it is estimated that the industry employs over 110,000 people. Ineffective or delayed resolution of the outbreak will therefore have a direct socio-economic impact on South Africans.

Long-Term Management of HPAI

In the medium to long term, a multifaceted approach is required to improve HPAI control in South Africa. Vaccination remains a crucial component of this strategy and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Vaccines used for longer term management, must undergo full evaluation and become registered as soon as possible. This process, however, is not agile enough to address the immediate crisis.

Human Health Risks and Ongoing Surveillance

HPAI viruses pose potential risks to human health. While the present HPAI strains in poultry do not pose an immediate threat to humans, continuous monitoring and genetic analysis are essential to detect any changes that may occur over time. Reducing the national virus load is a vital step in lowering the risk of human infections, and effective vaccines can play a pivotal role in achieving this.

Call to Action

The South African poultry industry faces a dual challenge – safeguarding human and animal health while securing the sector’s survival. Urgent and decisive action is imperative. Failure to act decisively will keep the virus a threat to both human and animal health and endanger the survival of the South African poultry sector.

This information has been provided by the Poultry Group, affiliated with SAVA.

Source: SAVA

The South African Veterinary Association celebrates World Wildlife Day by recognising the invaluable contributions made by the professional wildlife veterinarians

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The South African Veterinary Association celebrates World Wildlife Day by recognising the invaluable contributions made by the professional wildlife veterinarians

01 March 2023; Johannesburg: Wildlife and biodiversity-based resources are relied upon by people all around the world to meet their basic needs, such as food, fuel, medicine, housing, and clothing. In addition, millions of people depend on nature as a source of livelihood and economic opportunities.

On March 3rd, 2023, the world will observe World Wildlife Day, which is focused on the theme of “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”. This day presents an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions made by the professional wildlife veterinarians to promote sustainability and protect wildlife and biodiversity.

According to Gert Steyn, MD of the South African Veterinary Association, “World Wildlife Day is a chance for us to reflect on the significance of sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation and the urgent need to safeguard endangered species. We must take action to address the underlying causes of wildlife loss and promote sustainable development that benefits both people and the planet”.

In May 2022, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) sponsored serval students to attend the Dipping and Darting weekend at the Zwartkloof Game Reserve in Bela-Bela. This event provided students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and expand their knowledge within the wildlife industry.

As we mark World Wildlife Day 2023, let us remember the vital importance of biodiversity to our planet’s health and wellbeing, and commit to taking action to protect our planet’s incredible wildlife for generations to come.

For more information, please visit the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page. 

Source: South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)

South African Veterinary Association Animal Ethics and Welfare Committee Statement on the Mitigation of Human-Pitbull Conflict

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Image: Pixabay

Johannesburg, December 2022: 

The recent incidents in which people have been attacked and fatally injured by pitbull terrier dogs (and dogs assumed to be pitbulls) have led to emotional responses and, in some instances, drastic action by a variety of stakeholders. The opportunity exists to take action that will in the short term prevent escalation of the response, and in the long term improve the co-habitation of people and dogs in various settings.

The short succession of attacks has led to the perception of an unusual high incidence of pitbull-related conflict. Subsequent action included voluntary surrender of dogs to Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs), threats by various stakeholders to confiscate and dispose of animals, offers to owners for the removal of animals with no clear indication of their eventual fate, and incidences of brutal killings of dogs. This response has traumatized owners, communities, and animals; has overwhelmed the capacity of AWOs to take in, care for, facilitate adoption, or euthanise affected animals; and has escalated the perception of the breed as an excessively dangerous animal. 

The causes of human-pitbull conflict are multifactorial, including genetics, training, management practices, use of animals in protective roles as guard dogs, use of animals in aggressive roles in dog fights, lack of community awareness, and others. However, limited data is available to rank these factors for their relative contribution to the overall incidence of conflict. In this complex situation, it is imperative that care is taken to seek solutions that will be sustained in the long run, while also addressing the immediate crisis.

From a short-term perspective, the objective should be to reduce conflict and contain stress, damage, and brutality to owners and animals. Further, the critical lack of capacity to deal with the symptoms of the crisis in terms of surrendered animals should be addressed. To this end, it is proposed that:

  • Key influencers are identified to communicate a message of restraint to their constituents. These would include social media influencers, civic and community organisations, and others;
  • Accurate information packages are compiled and distributed through reputable organisations to counter misinformation on social media (e.g., on aggression in dogs, dog bite prevention, and breed-specific behaviours);
  • All relevant stakeholders are engaged in dialogue on immediately relevant information, such as the stipulations of the Animals Protection Act and others. Stakeholders would include all entities involved in resolution of this conflict, such as AWOs, breeders’ associations, SAPS, individuals offering ad-hoc removal services, and others; and
  • Short-term support is immediately provided to AWOs who are called upon to provide first-line response, by engaging for example state veterinarians, private veterinarians, AHTs, and CCS vets

In the long term, a multi-pronged approach is required to create an environment that promotes peaceful co-habitation of humans and dogs. This should address:

  • Revision of the regulatory environment, at national, provincial, and municipal level;
  • Generation of reliable scientific information to inform evidence-based development of policy and regulations, and information upon which to base assertions about aspects such as the impact of genetics on conflict;
  • Effective implementation of policy and regulations;
  • Awareness creation among owners, breeders, community members, and others of the possibility and consequences of conflict between humans and dogs, and actions, practices, and activities that incite such conflict; and
  • Creation of a mechanism for the dissemination of accurate information among stakeholders.

This requires that a strategy is developed for addressing conflict, in which stakeholders are clear on the anticipated impact of the proposed strategy, the roles of various parties, and the implementation thereof and its resourcing. To this end, it is proposed that SAVA facilitates and supports DALLRD in the establishment of a national steering committee that, within a limited time frame, to develop the short- and long-term strategy to the point of handover to the various stakeholders for implementation.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

World Rabies’ Day – ‘One Health, Zero Deaths’

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There is no time to waste since rabies is taking lives and having a tragic effect on our communities, friends, families, and our beloved pets. This year, on 28 September, South Africa will join the rest of the world in commemorating World Rabies Day which brings to light one of the globe’s most persistent diseases that is not sufficiently dealt with, often due to ignorance or indifference. It is lethal. We can however overcome rabies by taking the necessary precautions and by remaining aware of it.

This year the GARC (Global Alliance for Rabies Control) is emphasising the theme of “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths”. The idea of “One Health” is hugely significant because it emphasises that, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the health of humans, animals, and the environment are all inextricably linked and interdependent. Only through an inclusive approach of collaboration and participation in all related sectors can this lethal disease be eliminated.

The concept of “zero deaths” relates to  the well-known fact that most human rabies deaths are caused by exposure to rabid dogs, and that transmission can be prevented through vaccinating dogs (and cats) and treating humans immediately after being exposed to a suspected rabid animal. Through a joint approach and a well-coordinated effort, the global target has been set as: “Zero by 30: a global strategic plan to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030”.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that people can become infected by an infected animal. The virus is shed in saliva and is spread mainly by the bite, scratch or lick of an infected animal. Rabies affects the brain and is fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs. Animals infected by rabies show changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms. They may salivate, become paralysed, are unable to swallow, continuously vocalise, and become aggressive or non-responsive.

If someone gets bitten by an animal and there is reason to suspect it may have rabies based on the animal’s behaviour and history (e.g. it is not vaccinated), then one needs to wash the wound well with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes and immediately seek medical attention (rabies preventative treatment will include a series of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin injected into the wound if the skin has been breached). Bite victims can still receive

immunoglobulin up to seven days after initial treatment, although it should be administered immediately. Pet owners need to keep in mind that not only stray dogs can be infected with rabies, but that rabies can also be transmitted to unvaccinated household pets via saliva, not only a bite.

World Rabies Day

Image courtesy of Mr Kevin de Roux, Chairperson: Rabies Advisory Group

Although rabies is endemic throughout South Africa, dog rabies outbreaks are common in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and along the Free State – Lesotho border (as shown above).

It is estimated that this terrible virus kills at least one person every nine minutes around the world. More than 59 000 people die from rabies each year and about 95% of these deaths occur in Africa and Asia, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. It is critically important that all pet owners have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against this disease.

The core message for all South Africans, from all walks of life, is to vaccinate their pets (a legal requirement) – it is never too late to vaccinate. The first rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks (three months) of age, followed by a booster vaccination between one and 12 months later. Thereafter, a booster is required every three years. In high-risk areas, annual vaccination is strongly recommended.

Let us unite with the rest of the world to prevent this terrible disease through One Health and zero deaths, in the run-up to World Rabies Day and beyond.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

World Veterinary Day – Celebrating and supporting our brave vets and the hardships they face

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World Veterinary Day

Today we join together to celebrate World Veterinary Day and give thanks for the extraordinary work and tireless devotion of all those who work in the crucially important field of veterinary services, saving lives and giving support to all innocent animals. Both wild and domestic, animals fill our world and lives with joy and countless meaningful moments, be it in our homes or in the wild. What would we do without the selfless commitment of veterinarians all around the world?

We tend to give little credit to these brave soldiers (men and women) who, behind the scenes, dedicate their lives to ensuring the wellbeing of the many innocent and vulnerable creatures who share this planet with us, and the unimaginable emotional and psychological stress which they can experience. Their essential work is usually fascinating, varied and often deeply fulfilling, but it regularly includes a darker side, hidden from both their clients and the general public. Within the veterinary domain, it is veterinarians who are the guarantors of animal health and protectors of animal resources, providing a vital component of food security and public safety. The farm-to-fork strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally friendly. Historical and geographical references show that this role is vulnerable and must be protected to ensure its existence and quality, not only for the benefit of those involved, but above all for society as a whole.

Most people who call upon the skills of professional veterinarians imagine their days to be filled with simple analyses or the odd minor operation on cute and cuddly cats, dogs and other domestic animals. This is far from the reality of what they generally go through.

Recent studies have revealed statistics which are not easy to digest. Most of us forget to take into consideration the extreme hardships faced by our loving veterinarians, especially those working in clinical and companion animal medicine. These factors include excessive workloads and veterinary care costs, an often unhealthy work-life balance and a sense of isolation in the workplace. On top of this we must consider the high level of client expectations, unforeseen and sometimes tragic outcomes as well as the communication of distressing news to owners of pets.

It is a very sad and disturbing statistic that vets are twice as likely to commit suicide than doctors and medics and four times more likely than average members of the greater public. The most commonly encountered mental health issues experienced in the veterinary field includes depression, anxiety, anorexia, mood disorders and even alcoholism. They also have a very unbalanced and high debt to income ratio which adds to their consternation, and furthermore, having studied for roughly the same length of time, they earn only a fraction of what a physician can make on a yearly basis.

Various techniques have been developed to help in the battle to promote mental wellbeing and health awareness over recent years. The most well-known are defined as “mental health services and information delivered or enhanced through the internet or related technologies.” A few examples of these include: telemental health (videoconferencing for counselling), online support groups and games especially developed to give some much needed distraction and which can also aid in psychological or behavioural adjustment.

The Big Question is – What can you and I do to help? Well, most of the answers are what most people would consider common courtesy and mindfulness. Kindness and friendliness towards your veterinarian, combined with an understanding of the stress that they go through is the most obvious of these. Another important idea is to share positive thoughts and experiences, showing your appreciation rather than only voicing your concerns and fears. If you have friends or family members working in the field, give them as much support and time as possible to help to ease their stress levels.

Moreover, be prepared to deal with the often considerable expenses required to have your best-furry-friend looked after and treated – don’t expect discounts or free assistance and remember all of the medications, equipment and other staff which come into the equation. If you have an acquaintance in the veterinary world, avoid clogging up their phone and minds with constant questions and requests for help or suggestions, except when absolutely necessary.

These are just a few ways in which we can help to uplift the mental health of all those working arduously to protect nature, and our beloved animals. Love your vet! Show plenty of appreciation. Mindfulness is the Golden Key. We all live stressful lives in one way or another, but not all of us have to perform risky and arduous operations or worse, “put to sleep” the animals which are under our care. Your vet genuinely cares for and has a bond with your animal(s), and has chosen this difficult job out of love and respect for all living creatures. It can be as agonising for them as for you when tragic circumstances occur. So: be aware, make a difference and help to support your vet today and forever, thereby reducing the hardships and mental struggles which they face.

Join in the conversation and learn more through these links:

www.instagram.com/sava.za/
www.facebook.com/SouthAfricanVeterinaryAssociation

Vaccinating your best four legged friend: The Pros and Cons

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Vaccinating your best four legged friend: The Pros and Cons

We all love our domestic pets and only want what is best for them. But love, food, shelter and cuddles aren’t all that they need. They are at risk from a variety of potentially dangerous diseases or illnesses which can be avoided through the use of essential vaccinations recommended by all vets.

Not only can the owner protect the well-being of the animal, be it a cat, dog or other common household pet, but it can be a significant means of avoiding potentially costly treatments, which may be necessary for our furry friends if they are not protected by the vaccines. Certain diseases such as rabies can even be passed from the animal to humans if the pet is not properly vaccinated, so it is a critical way of protecting the family too, especially children.

There are a variety of ways in which a vaccine can be administered to the animal by a qualified vet including through intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. Such vaccinations have been proven to have saved the lives of millions of domestic animals during the last century alone. The basic purpose of a vaccination is to allow the immune system to produce antibodies which fight against the spread of bacteria or viruses within the body without causing the disease itself. The body thus “remembers” the infectious agent for which it has been vaccinated.

There are two principle types of vaccinations: core vaccinations which are necessary for all domestic pets, and non-core or “lifestyle-based” vaccinations, which are only necessary depending on the living circumstances of the animal, for example if it has to spend time in a kennel surrounded by other potentially diseased pets. Whilst certain vaccinations need only be administered once, others must be repeated at particular intervals.

Some vaccines are a legal requirement, such as that against rabies. Puppies should be given a “combination vaccine” three times in the first year of its life and in some cases once a year thereafter (also referred to as “booster” shots). Amongst other illnesses which affect dogs this combination provides protection against “cat-flu” (parvovirus), a deadly virus which affects dogs younger than one year of age, Parainfluenza (an upper airway disease), Bordetella (also known as “kennel cough”) and Leptospirosis which can cause liver and kidney disease. On the other hand, the combination

vaccines for cats on the other hand protect against such diseases as Rhinotracheitis (eye and respiratory infections) and Chlamydiosis which causes pneumonia and can even be passed on to humans.

The risks which can be posed by certain vaccinations are not very common but in some cases, animals have displayed symptoms of allergies such as pain or swelling at the point of the injection and occasionally cats have been found to develop tumors due to particular vaccines. To avoid the dangers of over-vaccinating your vet can perform a “titer” which is a blood test that determines whether your animal is still protected by a previous vaccine.

It is critical to the health of domestic pets and their owners to make regular visits to a trusted vet and to ensure that all precautionary vaccinations are administered. This allows a greater peace of mind and enjoyable life for all. If necessary one can contact SAVA (the South African Veterinary Association), a voluntary association for registered veterinarians which represents more than 60% of all vets in South Africa.

For more information, please visit the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) website, Facebook or Twitter page.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

Tips to remember when travelling with a pet, according to the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)

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Tips to remember when travelling with a pet

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PETS THIS HOLIDAY, ACCORDING TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION (SAVA)

Planning a holiday trip or vacation can be stressful, no matter the circumstances. As COVID-19 brings International holidays to a halt, many South Africans are set to explore our diverse and captivating country this December. Families will want to include their family pet in their plans, which may introduce an entirely new set of challenges. This includes packing the right equipment, checking the hotels pet policies, ensuring your pet meets the appropriate travel requirements, but not limited to. The South African Veterinary Services (SAVA) and Dr Dean Sim from the South City Vet, in Port Elizabeth, share useful tips to remember, which will help you, your family and beloved furry companion enjoy a safe, well-deserved and relaxing holiday.

1. Preparation is key!

Preparation is key to ensure a successful vacation, so book an appointment with your vet to ensure your pets vaccinations are updated. This includes deworming of parasites, such as roundworm, flukes and tapeworm. Calming medication might be viable especially if your pet is not used to driving long distances.

As many parts of South Africa reach high temperatures in December, make sure that you take your pet for a grooming session. This will help keep your pet cool and make it easier to find any ticks or flees. If you are planning a camping trip, be prepared for destinations with potential risks such as snakes and paralysis ticks.

Make sure to look up the name and contact details of a local vert in case of an emergency.

Order enough medication ahead of time and pack a first-aid kit including diluted antiseptic (betadine) and clean bandages.

Make sure that your pet is microchipped to help identify him or her in case they get lost. Make sure your contact details are registered so you can easily be contacted.

2. Tips when travelling in a car

If your pet is not accustomed to travelling long distances, spend a bit of time to get your pet used to the experience. Pets that are used to travelling in the car, are a lot calmer, which will ensure a less stressed trip for all.

  • A lot of pets associate car travels with going to the vet, which can be stressful. Take your pets on shorter trips from home (e.g. going to buy bread or milk).
  • Keep a doggie bed, a thin blanket, and their favourite toys to ease travel stress and for settling once you reach your destination.
  • Always remember to keep your travel food secured away from your pets when you leave the car.
  • When stopping to fuel up, or to grab a quick bite, park your car at a far distance so that your furry companion can relieve themselves. Never take them off their leashes at petrol stations!
  • NEVER leave your pet in your car, especially during days of extreme heat – always plan your outings to ensure that they can either go with you or a family member can sit under tree shade with them.
  • Make sure to pack plenty of water and food, treats, an extra leash, poop bags, and any medication for the treatment and prevention of the vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs.

3. Make sure your destination is pet friendly

Do your research on pet friendly accommodation and activities before you book your holiday. Be sure to check for pet restrictions at the beaches as some beaches have different dog friendly hours during peak time holidays. Create a list of activities for your pet that includes:
– Nature walks
– Country markets
– Pet friendly restaurants

4. Taking care of the wellbeing of your animals

An important element to remember is the use of pet-friendly UV protection. Many pet owners might not be aware, but sunblock is as important on our furry companions, as it is for humans.

Should your pet enjoy swimming in the ocean, remember to pack an appropriate ear rinse. This will prevent your animals from getting an ear infection from the water gathered when swimming.

Ensure you pack eye rinse in case of sand coming into contact with their eyes when playing on the beach.

Brachycephalic dogs (commonly known as “short-headed” dogs such as the English bulldog, French bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, and Boston terrier) are prone to heatstroke. Be extra careful with these types of breeds in the car and provide a lot of water and shade if you plan a beach day.

5. Travelling with pets on an aeroplane

Should you opt to travel with your pet via an aeroplane, check with the airline for pet travel policies, regulations and restrictions. You’ll need to have your pet thoroughly examined, wormed and vaccinated before being approved for air travel.

Pets often do well travelling by air so ensure that you have the correct right type and size travel crate. Place a blanket and toys for comfort. However, if you see your pet showing any signs of distress, visit a vet you’ve located at your destination urgently. If you are still hesitant to take your pet travelling on an aeroplane, speak to your local veterinarian well in advance.

With the correct amount of preparation, you can ensure a safe, well-deserved, relaxing holiday with your family and your furry companion, regardless of where you go or what form of transport you take.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

Does having pet insurance really make financial sense?

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Does having pet insurance really make financial sense?

Image: Pixabay

The global pet insurance market was valued at $ 3.2 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $ 7.1 billion by the end of 2023, flourishing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% during the forecast period.

According to the South African Veterinary Association guideline fee schedule which is issued annually, 2018 saw a 15% increase in these suggested veterinary fees, with a 10% increase the year before. 

Veterinarian Dr Ingrid de Wet says the prices charged by veterinary practices are determined by many variables. Equipment alone for an average Veterinary practice costs about R1 million and is equivalent to what you’d find in many hospitals. 

Their medicine and consumables bills can be as high as R250,000 to R300,000 a month, and these costs are constantly increasing because most of their drugs are imported and dependent on the Rand-Dollar exchange rate.

It is very clear that the cost of owning a pet can have a big impact on your budget. Sterilisation and deworming can cost up to R2,500. A round of vaccinations approx. R500 and a three-month course for flea and tick control approx. another R500. 

Fixing a broken leg can cost up to R15,000, cataract surgery about R20,000 and x-rays R6,000 per year. If your dog or cat gets out of the yard, for example, and is hit by a car, it could cost up to R40,000 in vet bills to save his/her life. As a result, many South Africans choose to put their ailing pets to sleep rather than pay for expensive treatments, experts say.

Though “economic euthanasia” isn’t tracked in South Africa, experts say that in America, two-thirds of the pets put to sleep every week are euthanized for economic reasons.

Pet ownership is on the rise in South Africa due to the growing number of single professionals, empty-nesters, couples who delay having children and families who need additional guard dogs. In 2016, there were an estimated 9.2 million dogs living in SA households, ranking South Africa the ninth highest in the world.

In a still-struggling economy with the rising cost of owning and caring for pets, pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular particularly with dog and cat owners in South Africa as some pet policies provide up to R53,000 in cover annually.  

Dr Jack Stephens, a veterinarian from Boise, Idaho, started the first pet insurance policy in 1981. He was haunted by a dog he had to put down because the owners could not afford treatment. Stephens founded PetsBest insurance (USA), which covers about 80,000 pets as of 2018. 

dotsure.co.za, a top rated South African pet insurance provider that covers dogs and cats is also the first and only to insure both exotic pets (any pet that is not a dog, cat, or farm animal, such as reptiles, birds, bunnies, turtles and tortoises) and senior pets in South Africa (dogs and cats older than 8 years). 

Since dotsure.co.zalaunched its very prominent television advertising campaign in 2018 featuring testimonials from existing customers, the demand for the product has increased dramatically. 

According to a local SEO specialist, “the interest in the pet insurance-related search terms on Google has trebled in the year following the campaign’s introduction and this trend shows no sign of slowing.”

“We have covered more than 100,000 South African pets,” says David Roache, Managing Director of dotsure.co.za. “But we know that we are just starting to see South African’s begin to trust and understand this type of cover. Our campaigns have been designed around educating South Africans that pet insurance actually exists.  Remember, until recently, this was a relatively unknown concept and to those that knew about it, there were very few affordable options for them.” 

According to Roache, the company has paid out more than 30,000 claims in the last 3 years, saving pet owners millions of Rands in vet bills.

Amongst breeds, the Jack Russel Terrier is the most popular enrolled dog, the Domestic Short-Hair the most popular cat and the African Grey parrot the most popular exotic pet. Dogs make up 85% of enrolled pets.

dotsure.co.za offer a unique benefit called Name Your Price, which enables customers to decide how much they can afford to pay monthly for pet insurance. Insurance that is actually controlled by the customer and not the other way around like it is with so many Insurance companies. 

According to Roache, “we do this to provide a better outcome to consumers when protecting the things, they care about most. Our customers are always at the very heart of everything we do, and our aim is to create fans, not policy holders”.

Another area often overlooked is the risk of your pet damaging someone else’s property, or even causing bodily harm to them or their pet. In a recent Eastern Cape High Court case, the victim of a vicious dog attack sued the dog’s owner for R2.4 million, when three dogs escaped from the dog owner’s property and attacked the plaintiff. dotsure.co.za provides all its customers with third-party liability cover to protect them against the financial burden of such incidents within the borders of South Africa.

dotsure.co.za has various benefits that clients can enjoy. According to Roache, “dotsure.co.za has worked closely with a number of practicing veterinarians, as well as real pet lovers and breeders alike in order to develop what we truly believe is not only South Africa’s best pet insurance product, but one that is right up there with the very best available on our planet”.

According to the South African Pet Care Industry Landscape Report, the global trends of pet parenting and pet humanisation whereby pet owners regard pets as members of the family has filtered down to the South African pet care industry, encouraging consumers to spend more on pet products, spoiling their pets as one might spoil a child, reads the Insight Survey. As result of this, South African pet owners have become more attentive in their purchases of pet care products, opting for products and services that treat pets as part of the family.

Pet insurance is a growing market, and for good reason. Our pets are considered to be our family and we should be ready to provide them with the best care should they become seriously injured or ill. Pet insurance provides you with the opportunity to give them the care they deserve for their loyal companionship and unconditional love. The numbers have decided. Protect your pet, and your wallet with pet insurance.

Source: IOL