About Us
Every Rescue Has a Story. Here’s Ours.
Some ideas begin with a business plan. Ours began with a stray cat, four tiny kittens and a rather heartbreaking lesson about how difficult it can be to find animals a loving home.
Adopt a Pet was created with a simple hope that fewer animals would be left waiting for someone to give them a chance. Today, we’re building on that original idea, bringing together pets in need of homes, the people who want to adopt them and the dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly on their behalf.
There’s a very personal story behind our little corner of the internet, and we’d love to share it with you.
About Us
Every Rescue Has a Story. Here’s Ours.
Some ideas begin with a business plan. Ours began with a stray cat, four tiny kittens and a rather heartbreaking lesson about how difficult it can be to find animals a loving home.
Adopt a Pet was created with a simple hope that fewer animals would be left waiting for someone to give them a chance. Today, we’re building on that original idea, bringing together pets in need of homes, the people who want to adopt them and the dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly on their behalf.
There’s a very personal story behind our little corner of the internet, and we’d love to share it with you.
It All Started With a Cat Named Speckles
Adopt a Pet was founded by Michelle Hammond in 2018, inspired by a stray cat named Speckles who appeared at her family home on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Speckles was a regular visitor who knew where to find a meal, and before long, she had become a familiar and much-loved presence. Then, she had four kittens.
As you can imagine, four tiny kittens are rather difficult not to fall in love with. There were little personalities emerging, plenty of adorable antics and, suddenly, five cats who needed somewhere safe to call home.
But finding those homes proved far more difficult than expected.
Despite every effort, suitable families could only be found for two of the kittens. With no way to keep all the cats, the heartbreaking decision was made to surrender Speckles and her remaining two kittens to an animal shelter.
And that’s where their story became a mystery. There were no updates about what happened next. No way of knowing whether they were adopted together, found separate homes or how their lives unfolded. It was an experience that left a lasting impression, along with a question that became impossible to ignore.
Surely there had to be a better way to connect animals in need with people willing to give them a home? That question became the beginning of Adopt a Pet.
Speckles may never have known it, but she inspired something that could help other animals avoid the same uncertainty.
What Is Adopt A Pet?
Adopt a Pet began in 2018 with a simple idea to help animals in need find suitable homes. Today, it’s an independent online directory that allows shelters, rescue organisations and individuals to list animals available for adoption or responsible rehoming, completely free of charge.
Over the years, we’ve continued to develop and refine the platform, expanding its purpose beyond adoption listings. While helping animals find loving homes remains at the heart of what we do, we also want Adopt a Pet to be a useful resource for pet owners, animal lovers and the people working to improve animal welfare in South Africa.
Pet Adoption
Our directory connects prospective adopters directly with shelters, rescue organisations and individuals responsible for animals in need of homes. We also provide a dedicated Lost & Found Pets section to help reunite missing animals with their families.
Meet Your New Best Friend →
Pet Care Resources
Our resource library explores the many aspects of life with animals, including health, behaviour, nutrition, training, adoption and responsible pet ownership. We aim to share practical information that helps people make informed decisions and provide better care for the animals in their lives.
Pet Services
Our pet services directory helps pet owners find local businesses and professionals who can support their pets’ health, wellbeing and everyday care, while giving businesses the opportunity to connect with customers throughout South Africa.
Discover Local Pet Experts →
What Is Adopt A Pet?
Adopt a Pet began in 2018 with a simple idea to help animals in need find suitable homes. Today, it’s an independent online directory that allows shelters, rescue organisations and individuals to list animals available for adoption or responsible rehoming, completely free of charge.
Over the years, we’ve continued to develop and refine the platform, expanding its purpose beyond adoption listings. While helping animals find loving homes remains at the heart of what we do, we also want Adopt a Pet to be a useful resource for pet owners, animal lovers and the people working to improve animal welfare in South Africa.
Pet Adoption
Our directory connects prospective adopters directly with shelters, rescue organisations and individuals responsible for animals in need of homes. We also provide a dedicated Lost & Found Pets section to help reunite missing animals with their families.
Meet Your New Best Friend →
Pet Care Resources
Our resource library explores the many aspects of life with animals, including health, behaviour, nutrition, training, adoption and responsible pet ownership. We aim to share practical information that helps people make informed decisions and provide better care for the animals in their lives.
Pet Services
Our pet services directory helps pet owners find local businesses and professionals who can support their pets’ health, wellbeing and everyday care, while giving businesses the opportunity to connect with customers throughout South Africa.
Discover Local Pet Experts →
What We Stand For
Our love for animals is what brought Adopt a Pet to life, but good intentions alone aren’t enough. We believe making a meaningful difference requires clear principles, difficult conversations and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable. These beliefs shape the decisions we make and the kind of platform we want Adopt a Pet to be.
Compassion
Every animal has a story, even when we don’t know it. Some have experienced abandonment, neglect or repeated upheaval, while others have simply found themselves without a home through circumstances beyond their control. We believe they deserve patience, understanding and care that respects their individual needs, rather than judgement based on their past.
Advocacy
We believe the answer to pet homelessness isn’t breeding more animals while so many others are waiting for homes. We advocate for adoption, sterilisation and responsible ownership, alongside greater public awareness of the realities facing shelters and rescuers. We also believe older animals, those with disabilities and those requiring additional care deserve to be considered, not quietly overlooked.
Integrity
Our commitment to animal welfare must be reflected in the standards we uphold. Animal sales are strictly prohibited on Adopt a Pet, and we expect listings to represent animals honestly, including their health, behaviour and care requirements. We believe transparency protects animals from unsuitable placements and helps prospective adopters make informed decisions, rather than decisions based on incomplete information.
Responsibility
Bringing an animal into your life means accepting responsibility for their wellbeing throughout every stage of it, including illness, ageing and behavioural challenges. We encourage people to consider that commitment carefully before adopting. We also recognise that circumstances can change, and believe responsible rehoming should prioritise an animal’s future wellbeing rather than assign blame to someone facing a difficult decision.
Accessibility
Rescue organisations and individuals should be able to reach potential adopters without paying for that opportunity. We keep adoption, responsible rehoming and shelter listings free because limited finances should not reduce an animal’s chances of finding a home. We also want the platform to be practical for smaller rescues and individuals who may lack the time, resources or technical experience to promote animals themselves.
Community
Many animal welfare efforts depend on people who give their time, money and energy without recognition, often while facing overwhelming demand. We believe their work deserves greater visibility and support. By connecting shelters, independent rescuers, individuals and prospective adopters, we hope to strengthen the relationships that help animals find homes and encourage more people to contribute in meaningful ways.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
When we buy an animal, we’re supporting a system in which living beings are bred to satisfy human preferences. Their appearance, pedigree and potential selling price become part of their value, while thousands of equally deserving animals are left waiting for homes.
We don’t believe love, companionship or loyalty should come with a pedigree or a price tag. Animals aren’t products to be manufactured, marketed or purchased. They’re individuals with their own personalities, needs and capacity to form extraordinary bonds with us.
Choosing adoption is one way we can begin to change how society values their lives.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
When we buy an animal, we’re supporting a system in which living beings are bred to satisfy human preferences. Their appearance, pedigree and potential selling price become part of their value, while thousands of equally deserving animals are left waiting for homes.
We don’t believe love, companionship or loyalty should come with a pedigree or a price tag. Animals aren’t products to be manufactured, marketed or purchased. They’re individuals with their own personalities, needs and capacity to form extraordinary bonds with us.
Choosing adoption is one way we can begin to change how society values their lives.
Meet The Team
Every important project needs a little supervision. Ours happens to come with whiskers, four paws and some rather strong opinions about how the household should be run.
Meet Mocha and Espresso, two rescue cats who have become a huge part of the inspiration behind Adopt a Pet’s next chapter.
They may not be particularly helpful with website development, but they’ve certainly made their feelings about animal welfare clear. Every animal deserves a comfortable place to sleep, reliable mealtimes, plenty of affection and a human who understands that personal space is entirely optional.
Michelle Hammond - Founder
Michelle has built a varied career working with international clients and businesses. Her experience began in investment immigration, later expanding into international trusts and wealth structuring. Today, she also works independently in SEO, content strategy and digital marketing, helping businesses improve their online presence.
Originally from South Africa, she’s spent much of her adult life abroad, developing a love for travel, different cultures and the adventures (and occasional frustrations) of living in another country.
Adopt a Pet is her passion project, born from a lifelong love of animals and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
When she’s not working on client projects or dreaming up ideas for Adopt a Pet, she’s usually at home with her two rescue cats, Essie and Mocha.
Espresso - Chief Mischief Officer
Espresso is an energetic little whirlwind with absolutely no respect for the concept of minding her own business. Brave, curious and endlessly entertaining, she believes anything interesting deserves immediate investigation.
She’s devoted to her spring toys, cat wheel and feather-string games. She also enjoys chasing Mocha or her human, preferably when everyone has something important to do.
If something is out of reach, Essie has a solution. She simply meows until Michelle arrives to provide assistance, usually by lifting her onto a shelf or the top of a closet.
Despite her adventurous nature, Essie has firm boundaries when it comes to affection. Being picked up and kissed is absolutely unacceptable. Curling up on Michelle’s legs at night, however, is purrfectly reasonable.
Mocha - Chief of Strategic Napping
Mocha is the big, handsome gentleman of the household. Reserved, regal and a little cautious, he prefers to assess a situation before deciding whether it deserves his participation.
But beneath that distinguished exterior is a wonderfully playful boy. He loves digging at the rug, batting his beloved fluffy balls around the house and chasing Essie when the mood strikes. Naturally, all this activity requires a very generous napping schedule.
Mocha isn’t particularly interested in cuddles, but he appreciates affection on his own terms. He regularly seeks out Michelle for head rubs and chin scratches, accepting them with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly how adored he is.
And then there’s his meow. A tiny, impossibly sweet sound reserved for special occasions. When Mocha has something to say, it’s worth listening.
Help Us Write The Next Chapter
Adopt a Pet began with one little stray cat, but there’s so much more we’d love to accomplish.
We’re always happy to hear from people who share our passion for animal welfare, including rescue organisations, potential partners and anyone with ideas that could help us make a greater difference.
If you believe in what we’re building and would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Help Us Write The Next Chapter
Adopt a Pet began with one little stray cat, but there’s so much more we’d love to accomplish.
We’re always happy to hear from people who share our passion for animal welfare, including rescue organisations, potential partners and anyone with ideas that could help us make a greater difference.
If you believe in what we’re building and would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Adopt a Pet been operating in South Africa?
Adopt a Pet was founded in 2018, inspired by the experience of caring for a stray cat named Speckles and her four kittens. Since then, the website has undergone several improvements, developing from a simple adoption directory into a broader platform for animal welfare, pet care resources and pet-related services.
Is Adopt a Pet an animal shelter or rescue organisation?
No. Adopt a Pet is an independent online platform, not a physical shelter or rescue organisation. We don’t house animals, conduct rescues or arrange adoptions ourselves. Instead, we provide a space where shelters, rescue organisations and individuals can list animals and communicate directly with prospective adopters.
Is Adopt a Pet a registered nonprofit organisation?
Adopt a Pet is independently operated and is not presented as a registered nonprofit organisation or animal welfare charity. We provide free adoption, responsible rehoming and rescue organisation listings, while our commercial pet services directory helps support the platform’s ongoing operation.
Does Adopt a Pet operate throughout South Africa?
Yes. Adopt a Pet is a nationwide online platform, with listings available from different provinces, cities and towns. Our aim is to make it easier for people to discover animals, rescue organisations and pet-related services in their area, while also reaching audiences beyond their immediate communities.
How does Adopt a Pet differ from other pet adoption websites?
Adopt a Pet brings adoption, responsible rehoming, lost and found pets, animal welfare organisations, educational resources and pet-related businesses together on one platform. We welcome independent rescuers and private individuals alongside established organisations, without charging them to list animals in need of homes.
Does Adopt a Pet receive funding or donations from the public?
We don’t accept public donations for Adopt a Pet and encourage anyone wishing to contribute financially to support animal shelters and rescue organisations directly.
Our paid pet services directory helps cover the costs of operating and maintaining the platform. Adopt a Pet is not run for personal profit, and we intend to donate the majority of funds remaining after operating expenses to animal welfare charities and rescue organisations in South Africa.
Are breeders allowed to list animals on Adopt a Pet?
No. Adopt a Pet does not permit breeders to use the platform to sell or promote commercially bred animals. We firmly advocate adoption over breeding and purchasing pets, and any listing intended to facilitate an animal sale is prohibited.
Why does Adopt a Pet allow adoption fees but prohibit animal sales?
Legitimate adoption fees are generally intended to help rescue organisations recover expenses associated with an animal’s care, such as veterinary treatment, vaccinations and sterilisation. This is different from breeding or selling animals for commercial gain. Adoption fees must be genuine and must never be used to disguise an animal sale.
Does Adopt a Pet verify the information provided in animal listings?
Listings are subject to review before publication, but Adopt a Pet cannot independently verify every statement made by a person or organisation submitting a listing. We encourage honest, accurate information and recommend that prospective adopters ask questions, request relevant veterinary records and make appropriate checks before committing to an adoption.
Who handles adoption enquiries and decides which applicants are suitable?
The individual, shelter or rescue organisation responsible for the animal handles enquiries, evaluates prospective adopters and makes the final placement decision. Adopt a Pet provides the listing platform but does not assess applicants, approve adoptions or manage payments and adoption agreements.
How can I report an inappropriate or suspicious listing?
Every listing on Adopt a Pet includes a Report button, which you can use to flag suspicious, misleading or inappropriate content directly. Alternatively, you can contact us with the listing link and details of your concerns. We take all reports seriously, particularly those involving animal sales, suspected scams or potential welfare concerns. Reported listings are reviewed, and those found to violate our rules will be removed from the platform.
Is it free to list an animal for adoption or responsible rehoming?
Yes, completely. Shelters, rescue organisations and individuals can list animals for adoption or responsible rehoming without paying listing fees. This is a fundamental principle of Adopt a Pet, and we have no plans to introduce charges for these listings.
Can animal welfare organisations collaborate with Adopt a Pet?
Absolutely. We’re interested in building relationships with shelters, rescue groups and animal welfare advocates who share our commitment to responsible adoption. Collaboration could include helping organisations establish their directory presence, sharing useful resources or exploring initiatives that bring greater attention to animals in need.
Can I contribute an article or share animal welfare information with Adopt a Pet?
We welcome contributions from people with relevant knowledge or experience in animal welfare, veterinary care and responsible pet ownership. If you have an article idea, practical advice or an important topic you’d like us to cover, please get in touch. Contributions are reviewed for accuracy, relevance and suitability before publication.
How can my business become part of the pet services directory?
Pet-related businesses can register and create a profile in our services directory, helping local pet owners discover what they offer. Our introductory Founding Business Offer includes three months of free listing, followed by R99 per month per listing for businesses that choose to continue. Subscription terms are provided before any paid commitment.
Can I volunteer to help with Adopt a Pet?
Yes! We’d love to hear from people who want to contribute their time and skills. There’s plenty of work involved in developing an independent animal welfare platform, and additional support can make a genuine difference.
We’re particularly interested in assistance with reaching out to shelters and rescue organisations, helping new members get started, creating useful educational content and raising awareness of adoption. But these aren’t the only ways to contribute. If you have experience in design, photography, digital marketing, administration or another area you think could help, we’d be happy to hear your ideas.
Our volunteer opportunities focus on supporting the online platform rather than hands-on animal rescue or shelter work. If you’re interested, please contact us and tell us a little about yourself, your skills and how you’d like to get involved.
How long has Adopt a Pet been operating in South Africa?
Adopt a Pet was founded in 2018, inspired by the experience of caring for a stray cat named Speckles and her four kittens. Since then, the website has undergone several improvements, developing from a simple adoption directory into a broader platform for animal welfare, pet care resources and pet-related services.
Is Adopt a Pet an animal shelter or rescue organisation?
No. Adopt a Pet is an independent online platform, not a physical shelter or rescue organisation. We don’t house animals, conduct rescues or arrange adoptions ourselves. Instead, we provide a space where shelters, rescue organisations and individuals can list animals and communicate directly with prospective adopters.
Is Adopt a Pet a registered nonprofit organisation?
Adopt a Pet is independently operated and is not presented as a registered nonprofit organisation or animal welfare charity. We provide free adoption, responsible rehoming and rescue organisation listings, while our commercial pet services directory helps support the platform’s ongoing operation.
Does Adopt a Pet operate throughout South Africa?
Yes. Adopt a Pet is a nationwide online platform, with listings available from different provinces, cities and towns. Our aim is to make it easier for people to discover animals, rescue organisations and pet-related services in their area, while also reaching audiences beyond their immediate communities.
How does Adopt a Pet differ from other pet adoption websites?
Adopt a Pet brings adoption, responsible rehoming, lost and found pets, animal welfare organisations, educational resources and pet-related businesses together on one platform. We welcome independent rescuers and private individuals alongside established organisations, without charging them to list animals in need of homes.
Does Adopt a Pet receive funding or donations from the public?
We don’t accept public donations for Adopt a Pet and encourage anyone wishing to contribute financially to support animal shelters and rescue organisations directly.
Our paid pet services directory helps cover the costs of operating and maintaining the platform. Adopt a Pet is not run for personal profit, and we intend to donate the majority of funds remaining after operating expenses to animal welfare charities and rescue organisations in South Africa.
Are breeders allowed to list animals on Adopt a Pet?
No. Adopt a Pet does not permit breeders to use the platform to sell or promote commercially bred animals. We firmly advocate adoption over breeding and purchasing pets, and any listing intended to facilitate an animal sale is prohibited.
Why does Adopt a Pet allow adoption fees but prohibit animal sales?
Legitimate adoption fees are generally intended to help rescue organisations recover expenses associated with an animal’s care, such as veterinary treatment, vaccinations and sterilisation. This is different from breeding or selling animals for commercial gain. Adoption fees must be genuine and must never be used to disguise an animal sale.
Does Adopt a Pet verify the information provided in animal listings?
Listings are subject to review before publication, but Adopt a Pet cannot independently verify every statement made by a person or organisation submitting a listing. We encourage honest, accurate information and recommend that prospective adopters ask questions, request relevant veterinary records and make appropriate checks before committing to an adoption.
Who handles adoption enquiries and decides which applicants are suitable?
The individual, shelter or rescue organisation responsible for the animal handles enquiries, evaluates prospective adopters and makes the final placement decision. Adopt a Pet provides the listing platform but does not assess applicants, approve adoptions or manage payments and adoption agreements.
How can I report an inappropriate or suspicious listing?
Every listing on Adopt a Pet includes a Report button, which you can use to flag suspicious, misleading or inappropriate content directly. Alternatively, you can contact us with the listing link and details of your concerns. We take all reports seriously, particularly those involving animal sales, suspected scams or potential welfare concerns. Reported listings are reviewed, and those found to violate our rules will be removed from the platform.
Is it free to list an animal for adoption or responsible rehoming?
Yes, completely. Shelters, rescue organisations and individuals can list animals for adoption or responsible rehoming without paying listing fees. This is a fundamental principle of Adopt a Pet, and we have no plans to introduce charges for these listings.
Can animal welfare organisations collaborate with Adopt a Pet?
Absolutely. We’re interested in building relationships with shelters, rescue groups and animal welfare advocates who share our commitment to responsible adoption. Collaboration could include helping organisations establish their directory presence, sharing useful resources or exploring initiatives that bring greater attention to animals in need.
Can I contribute an article or share animal welfare information with Adopt a Pet?
We welcome contributions from people with relevant knowledge or experience in animal welfare, veterinary care and responsible pet ownership. If you have an article idea, practical advice or an important topic you’d like us to cover, please get in touch. Contributions are reviewed for accuracy, relevance and suitability before publication.
How can my business become part of the pet services directory?
Pet-related businesses can register and create a profile in our services directory, helping local pet owners discover what they offer. Our introductory Founding Business Offer includes three months of free listing, followed by R99 per month per listing for businesses that choose to continue. Subscription terms are provided before any paid commitment.
Can I volunteer to help with Adopt a Pet?
Yes! We’d love to hear from people who want to contribute their time and skills. There’s plenty of work involved in developing an independent animal welfare platform, and additional support can make a genuine difference.
We’re particularly interested in assistance with reaching out to shelters and rescue organisations, helping new members get started, creating useful educational content and raising awareness of adoption. But these aren’t the only ways to contribute. If you have experience in design, photography, digital marketing, administration or another area you think could help, we’d be happy to hear your ideas.
Our volunteer opportunities focus on supporting the online platform rather than hands-on animal rescue or shelter work. If you’re interested, please contact us and tell us a little about yourself, your skills and how you’d like to get involved.