In the heart of Khayelitsha, Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter provides far more than a place of treatment. It is a veterinary clinic, shelter, hospital, rescue service and community outreach programme working together to protect animals and support the people who care for them.
Serving both Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, Mdzananda brings practical, accessible animal welfare to communities where transport, cost and access to veterinary care can be major barriers. The clinic is supported by local, national and international donations, helping the team continue its vital work every day.
A dedicated team keeping everything moving
Mdzananda’s work is carried by more than 42 permanent staff members, five locum vets and a contracted marketing and communications team. Their roles stretch across veterinary care, animal handling, transport, outreach, education, cleaning, administration and shelter support.
Every part of the organisation depends on people who are willing to show up and do the work, whether that means preparing animals for surgery, collecting a sick dog, washing blankets or helping a frightened patient feel safe.
Among the people I met was Luthando, affectionately known as “Uncle”, an Animal Welfare Assistant and driver who helps transport staff and animals. The atmosphere among the team was notably cheerful and positive, despite the difficult cases they face.
Mobile clinics taking veterinary care into the community
Mdzananda’s mobile clinics operate in selected areas of Khayelitsha and Mfuleni for three months at a time. Before arriving, the team works with community leaders to let residents know when the clinic will be in their area. On the day, they also drive through the neighbourhood using a bullhorn to announce their arrival.
From Tuesday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm, the Paravet and Animal Welfare Assistant teams provide essential primary care, including vaccinations, deworming, dipping, microchipping and flea and tick treatment when donated products are available.
They also register animals for free sterilisations at the clinic and educate owners about responsible pet care. These services are aimed particularly at families who would otherwise be unable to afford this vital healthcare.
When the team finds a sick or injured animal, Mdzananda’s pet ambulance is called to the scene and the animal is transported back to the clinic for treatment.
Professional care under one roof
Mdzananda’s clinic building was completed in November 2025 and is equipped to provide a wide range of veterinary services.
The facility includes a high-risk consultation room, two general consultation rooms, an X-ray room, a laboratory for blood testing, isolation areas, recovery spaces and hospital kennels for sick and injured dogs.
Its surgery area is divided into two sections: one for preparing animals before a procedure and another for the surgery itself. The clinic also stores the vaccines and medication needed to treat and prevent illnesses ranging from canine distemper to serious feline diseases.
Dr Brian Bergman leads the veterinary team as Head Vet, supported by staff working across consultations, surgery, recovery and daily patient care.
The quiet work behind every recovery
One of the most memorable spaces at Mdzananda is the blanket room. Shelves are stacked high with blankets in every colour, texture and size, ready to keep sick, injured and recovering animals warm.
A three-line washing area works constantly to make sure those blankets are cleaned, dried and returned to use. It is a simple but essential part of the clinic’s daily rhythm.
On some outreach days, the team also distributes donated food, blankets and other welfare items to pet owners in the community. Martin & Martin is among the organisations that has donated food to support this work.
These details may happen out of public view, but they are part of what allows every animal to recover with comfort and dignity.
Leadership, partnership and a few very important residents
Mdzananda’s work is strengthened by its leadership team, its staff, its donors and the welfare partners who help extend its reach.
The shelter is also home to three permanent resident dogs: Simba, Bruno and Rex. They are very much part of daily life and appear to have the staff well trained, particularly when it comes to opening and closing the gate.
Simba is often found perched on a chair in the security office, while all three dogs enjoy playing together around the clinic.
Then there is Gimba, the resident grey-and-white cat, who presides over the clinic with quiet dignity and the unmistakable confidence of someone who knows the place belongs to him.
Together, these animals bring warmth and personality to an organisation built around care, resilience and hope.
Care that continues beyond the clinic door
Mdzananda’s support does not end when treatment is complete.
Once an animal has recovered and is ready to return home, the team personally transports the pet back to its family. Owners are not expected to travel to the clinic to collect their dogs or cats, helping them avoid transport costs and removing another barrier to veterinary care.
Strict records are kept for every patient. Each animal has a vet card and detailed documents showing where they came from, what is known about them and what treatment they have received. These records are safely organised so that future care can remain accurate and appropriate.
Mdzananda is animal welfare in action: practical, organised, compassionate and deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
Adoption enquiries:
060 709 2694
adoptions@mdzananda.co.za
