Paws & Potential helps vulnerable youth and high-risk shelter dogs at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Cape Town's largest and busiest animal shelter, heal together through weekly, trauma-informed sessions. Youth learn empathy, emotional skills, and humane care while helping stressed, overlooked dogs become calmer and more adoptable. This reduces the risk of euthanasia and empowers young people to bring compassion and responsible animal care back into their homes and communities.
Cape Town's Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the largest and busiest animal shelter in the region and must care for thousands of dogs each year. Many arrive frightened, stressed, abused or overlooked, and if they cannot become adoptable in time, they face the risk of euthanasia. At the same time, many vulnerable youth in nearby communities grow up with violence, instability, and little emotional support. Both dogs and young people need safe, structured opportunities to heal.
This project brings vulnerable youth and stressed shelter dogs together in weekly trauma-informed sessions at the SPCA. Youth learn empathy, emotional regulation, and humane care while working hands-on with dogs who need socialization and calm, positive interaction. Dogs become more relaxed and adoptable, reducing their risk of euthanasia. Youth gain confidence, support, and skills that strengthen their wellbeing and influence how they treat animals at home.
Over time, this project will help more shelter dogs become adoptable and reduce the number who face euthanasia in a high-intake environment. Youth who participate gain emotional resilience, communication skills, and a deeper sense of responsibility and care. Many carry this learning back into their families and neighborhoods, encouraging humane treatment of animals. The program builds a kinder, more aware generation and strengthens community wellbeing through compassion.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
