We had the privilege of interviewing Luke Kruyt from TEARS Animal Rescue. TEARS Animal Rescue is renowned for its dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets who have endured difficult circumstances. In our conversation with Luke, we delved into the reasons pets end up in their care, gained valuable advice for potential adopters, and explored the challenges of helping rescue animals adjust to their new homes. We also discussed the critical role of socialisation, regular veterinary care, and how the community can actively support this vital cause. Read on to discover TEARS’ impactful work and how you can contribute to improving the lives of rescue animals.
What are the most common reasons pets end up at TEARS Animal Rescue, and how can pet owners prevent these situations?
Many of our animals come to TEARS due to abuse, neglect, or because they are surrendered by their owners. The most common reason for surrender is financial hardship—people simply cannot afford to care for their pets anymore. This is particularly true in low-income communities, where the cost of feeding and treating pets becomes overwhelming. We receive a lot of animals as clinic surrenders’ from our Veterinary Hospital. Our veterinary hospital sees a steady stream of animals injured by cars, suffering from tick bite fever, or other conditions that are expensive to treat. While we do subsidise veterinary bills, there is still a cost involved, and owning a pet is ultimately a financial responsibility. We also take in a lot of stray animals that have been abandoned or have escaped and whose owners never come to claim them. All of these animals need a second chance, and that’s what we provide.
Can you share some advice on the adoption process? What should potential pet owners consider before adopting a rescue animal?
There are so many animals in need of homes, and whether you support TEARS or another organisation, it’s important to choose adoption over buying from breeders. Many of the animals in shelters have had tough lives and need some help adjusting to a home environment. It’s crucial to take your time and visit shelters, spending time with the animals to find the right match. Shelter staff and volunteers know the animals well and can help guide you to a pet that suits your lifestyle. It’s a misconception that shelter animals are problematic; people have often let them down but are still loving and deserving of a home. When adopting, make sure you consider the animal’s personality, not just its appearance, and be prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with pet ownership, including veterinary care, food, and other essentials.
What are some of the key tips for helping a rescue pet adjust to their new home, especially if they had a difficult past?
People often assume that adopting a dog means they’ll immediately settle into their new home, but these animals come with their own histories and may have picked up some habits from their time in the shelter. The three-week rule is important—give your new pet time to decompress and adjust to their new environment. House training might need reinforcement, even if the dog was previously trained, and patience is key. The most important thing is to give them time, be patient, and help them understand what’s expected in their new life.
What role does socialisation play in a pet’s behaviour? And how can pet owners effectively socialise their dogs or cats?
Adult dogs, especially those from low-income communities, are often already socialised as they’ve spent time scavenging and interacting with other animals. The real challenge is with puppies, who need to meet new people and animals regularly to become well-adjusted. Shelter puppies have a head start in socialisation because they interact with many people, but ongoing socialisation is essential. For adult dogs with a difficult past, socialisation needs to be gradual and at a pace they can handle. Puppy school and dog school are great for both pets and owners to learn in a controlled environment. Cats are trickier as there aren’t usually classes for them, but choosing a cat with a personality that matches your lifestyle is important.
Can you discuss the importance of regular vet visits and vaccinations for your pet? What should pet owners be aware of in terms of preventative health care?
Regular vaccinations are crucial for keeping pets healthy, especially with the recent rabies scare in the Western Cape. Diseases like parvo, distemper, and feline leukaemia are serious, and annual vaccinations are necessary. Flea, tick, and worm prevention is also important, particularly if your pet is frequently outdoors. Depending on the product, treatments may be needed monthly or less often, but staying on top of these preventatives is essential for your pet’s health.
What are some of the common behavioural issues in rescue animals, and how can pet owners work through these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges with adult rescue dogs is separation anxiety. They often become very attached to their new owners after being rescued, and this can lead to issues when they are left alone. It’s important to start leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the time so they understand that you will return. This gradual approach helps reduce anxiety and allows them to adjust to their new environment without becoming overly dependent.
How can pet owners get involved with TEARS Animal Rescue, whether through volunteering, fostering, or supporting the organisation in other ways?
Donations are vital to our work, funding our shelter, veterinary hospital, and mobile clinics. We also run a large sterilisation project aimed at reducing pet homelessness in Cape Town. Volunteering is another great way to help—whether it’s spending time with the animals, helping with home checks, or assisting at events. Signing up for a MySchool card and choosing TEARS as your beneficiary is an easy way to support us, as we receive a portion of sales every time you shop. Monthly donations, no matter how small, also make a big difference. Additionally, our charity shops welcome donations of goods, and shopping there supports our work.
Donate to TEARS here.
Sign-up to volunteer at TEARS here.
The insights shared by TEARS Animal Rescue underscore the importance of compassion and responsibility in pet ownership. Understanding why pets are surrendered, adopting with informed consideration, and ensuring proper socialisation and healthcare are pivotal in supporting rescued animals. TEARS highlights the ways in which we can all play a part in this noble effort—whether by volunteering, fostering, or supporting TEARS through donations and other means. By embracing these practices and contributing to TEARS’ mission, we help create a more humane world for animals in need, offering them the hope and care they truly deserve.
