Rustplaas Dog Shelter is nestled on a small farm in Piet Retief. It is a safe haven for stray, injured, abandoned, and abused dogs - many of whom were left behind when owners move or can no longer care for them.

Rustplaas was established in 2001 by Louis Fourie, with the help of his wife, Mariana, his mother, Elsa, and his uncle, Chris. In 2023, the shelter was officially registered as a non-profit company (NPC) with registration no.: 2023/103263/08.

Rustplaas is a sanctuary that is home to over 100 dogs. They are allowed to roam freely on the farm and are provided lifelong care - including food, medical care, and shelter. Here the dogs find their “forever home” and live out their days surrounded by love and kindness.

WHY RUSTPLAAS MATTERS

Rustplaas provides a safe-haven for dogs that have nowhere else to go - strays, injured, abused, and senior dogs who would've otherwise faced a cruel fate. Offering them lifelong care, giving them a second chance to live out their days with dignity and love.

The dogs receive medical attention, vaccinations, and rehabilitation under the supervision of trusted veterinarians, ensuring their health and happiness.

At Rustplaas, we aim to ease the burden on traditional shelters by providing a lifelong sanctuary for over 100 dogs, giving them a safe and loving home. We ensure these dogs receive the attention and care they need, freeing up resources for traditional shelters to focus on animal abuse, rescue and rehoming efforts.

Rustplaas also educates the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to create a more compassionate community.

For years, Rustplaas has operated with dedication and care, ensuring that every dog receives individualised attention and love.

CARING FOR THE INJURED, ABUSED AND UNWANTED

We take in many injured dogs brought to us by caring members of the community*. We treat the injured dogs and rehabilitate abused dogs. Some of the abused dogs take up to 6 months, or even longer, to trust again and to overcome fear of humans. We’re committed to giving every dog the time, care, and compassion they need to heal and live peacefully.

Food: The dogs eat approximately 40kg of food daily, with monthly food costs totaling around R11,000.

Medical care: We handle minor injuries, illnesses, and vaccinations ourselves, but some cases require professional veterinary care. Every female dog at Rustplaas is spayed upon arrival to prevent unwanted pregnancies and manage our capacity. While this is a significant expense, it’s essential for responsible care.

Shelter: The dogs also need warm, dry sleeping spaces, such as dog houses, which can be quite expensive to buy or build.

The shelter relies on donations and community support to cover the high costs of dog food, veterinary care, and other necessities. Any donations are greatly appreciated. We also appreciate any help from local businesses and organisations that improve the lives of animals in need in our community.