As of Monday, 12 January, the clinic will be open for emergencies on weekdays from 07:30 to 17:30, on Saturdays from 07:30 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 08:00 to 16:30, says the clinic. 

The extended hours ensure that doors stay open an extra 100 hours per month to better accommodate urgent after-hours cases. At the same time, clinic consulting hours have extended to 17:00 on weekdays and 13:00 on Saturdays, allowing working pet owners more time to have their pets seen to after work, adds the clinic.

"Many people were struggling to get their animals to us during our previous operating hours because they needed to be at work," says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter. "These extended hours will allow community members more time before and after work to access veterinary care for their pets."

The additional hours will primarily be used to assist with emergency cases, including motor vehicle accident injuries, life-threatening wounds and animals in severe distress, says the clinic.

"Often people arrive home late from work only to discover that their animal is seriously ill or injured," adds du Plessis. "Previously, our doors would already be closed. With these extended operating hours, more animals will now be able to receive help when they need it most."

Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter serves approximately 1 500 animals per month through consultations, sterilisations, surgical procedures, hospitalisation, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance service and pet adoptions. The organisation also places a strong emphasis on education, empowering community pet owners to become responsible and informed guardians, says the clinic.

"We hope that these adjusted operating hours will enable us to reach and help even more animals in need," concludes du Plessis.

For more information, visit www.mzananda.co.za. You can also follow the Mdzananda Animal Clinic on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor