The Calling of Veterinary Care: How EberVet CVC is Changing Lives

Most veterinarians know from an early age—often before they turn ten—that caring for animals is their calling. It’s less a career choice and more a purpose, a deep-seated need to make a difference. This sentiment is at the heart of EberVet Community Veterinary Care (EberVet CVC), an initiative that has been transforming animal welfare in South Africa’s underserved communities since 2008.

The Beginnings of EberVet CVC

EberVet CVC was born from a South African Veterinary Association initiative to address the uncontrolled pet population in rural areas with little to no access to veterinary healthcare. Today, there are 42 CVCs across South Africa, 13 of which operate in the Western Cape. Together, they have played a significant role in reducing neglect and abuse through sterilisation projects, mobile clinics, and education.

Understanding the Challenges

One of the most heartbreaking realities we encounter is the sheer lack of awareness about basic pet care. Some pet owners don’t realise that their dogs and cats need daily food, fresh water, or shelter. The cycle of neglect is often not due to cruelty, but rather a lack of education and resources.

Change often starts when a concerned community member, usually someone with greater means, notices the dire condition of pets in their domestic worker’s neighbourhood. This sparks action, and that’s when EberVet CVC steps in to help establish sustainable, community-driven animal welfare solutions.

How We Create Sustainable Change

The first step in creating lasting change is community involvement. We don’t just provide once-off assistance; we help communities build their own animal welfare organisations. This process includes:

• Setting up a non-profit organisation (NPO)
• Appointing a committee with members skilled in marketing, fundraising, legal support (especially animal rights and municipal bylaws), and clinical fieldwork
• Securing municipal support
• Recruiting volunteers and fieldworkers to provide basic animal healthcare
• Finding a strong leader to navigate the challenges of running an NPO

The biggest hurdle is gaining the trust of the community. Many people are hesitant to accept outside help, so cultural sensitivity and understanding are key. South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape requires an open-minded approach to ensure that our interventions align with the needs and beliefs of the community.

The Step-by-Step Approach

To prevent overwhelming new NPOs, we start small—typically sterilising 20 animals in the first project. We provide structured training and meticulous planning to ensure each day runs smoothly. Our hands-on support allows volunteers to gain confidence and learn vital skills, ensuring they can continue the work independently over time.

As trust builds, the results become evident: healthier animals, a decline in neglect cases, and an increase in reports of abuse as communities begin to take responsibility. This fosters a sense of unity, where people start looking out for each other and their pets.

Education Through EberVet Academy

Beyond sterilisation projects, we provide education through the EberVet Academy. Here, fieldworkers receive training in basic veterinary care, learning to identify and treat conditions like mange and minor wounds. Their efforts are recognised with certificates, encouraging long-term commitment to animal welfare.

The Impact So Far

Since its inception, EberVet CVC has performed over 10,000 sterilisations in towns across South Africa, including Helderberg, Greyton, Stanford, Ladismith, Nieu Bethesda, Fraserburg, Uniondale, Willowmore, Amalienstein, Heidelberg, and Albertinia.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated team of animal lovers who sacrifice their time and comfort to ensure pets and their owners stay together for as long as possible, with compassion and care. They truly embody the EberVet purpose.

Our Vision: The RIPle Effect

Looking ahead, our mission is to create a network of small rural NPOs equipped with the skills and knowledge to support animal-owning communities. By promoting responsible pet ownership, we aim to eradicate neglect and abuse through education and sustainable population control. We call this the RIPle Effect – Rural Impact Projects.

Be Part of the Change

We extend a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who has been part of our journey. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue this critical work. But the need is ongoing, and we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact.

Together, we can ensure that every pet, no matter where they are, receives the love and care they deserve.