FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about sheltering and helping senior senior dogs.

What makes Silver Paws different from a traditional dog shelter?

Silver Paws is a kennel-free sanctuary created especially for senior dogs. Our golden oldies live in a loving home environment, sleep on comfortable beds, enjoy home-cooked meals, receive veterinary care, and spend their days surrounded by companionship, comfort and freedom. We believe every senior dog deserves dignity, love and security in their final years.

Why do senior dogs end up at Silver Paws?

Many senior dogs lose their homes through no fault of their own. Their owners may pass away, move into care facilities where pets are not permitted, or relocate overseas. Silver Paws provides a safe and loving retirement sanctuary for these dogs when they need it most.

Can I adopt a senior dog from Silver Paws?

Absolutely. While Silver Paws provides lifelong care for senior dogs, a loving forever home is always the dream. We welcome applications from people interested in adopting one of our senior dogs, subject to our adoption and home-check process.

Is fostering a senior dog a good option?

Yes. Fostering can be life-changing for an older dog. It gives them the comfort of a family environment while helping Silver Paws create space for other senior dogs in need. If you’re not ready to adopt permanently, fostering is a wonderful way to make a difference.

How can I help senior dogs if I can't adopt or foster?

There are many ways to help. You can donate, volunteer, contribute items from our wishlist, support our veterinary expenses, participate in fundraising campaigns, or include Silver Paws in your estate planning. Every act of kindness helps us care for our senior residents.

What items does Silver Paws need most?

Our senior dogs are always grateful for donations such as soft dog food, dog pellets, dog beds, blankets, towels, flea and tick treatments, dewormers and contributions towards veterinary care. These essentials help us keep our dogs healthy, comfortable and happy.

Do senior dogs make good pets?

Senior dogs often make exceptional companions. They are generally calmer, already house-trained, and simply want a comfortable home and someone to love. Adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both the dog and their new family.

How are the dogs cared for at Silver Paws?

Every dog receives individual attention, nutritious meals, regular veterinary care and plenty of love. Because our sanctuary is kennel-free, the dogs enjoy a home environment where they can relax, socialise and live out their golden years with comfort and dignity.

Can I volunteer at Silver Paws?

Yes. We are always grateful for volunteers who can help walk, wash, socialise with and spend time with our dogs. Senior dogs thrive on human interaction, and even a few hours of your time can brighten their day.

Where is Silver Paws located?

Silver Paws is based in Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal, where our senior dogs enjoy a peaceful, kennel-free sanctuary designed to give them the comfort and care they deserve. Visits are by appointment.

Are donations to Silver Paws tax-deductible?

If you would like information about tax benefits, donation receipts or corporate giving opportunities, please contact us directly. As a registered non-profit organisation, we are committed to ensuring that donations are used to provide food, medical care and a safe environment for our senior dogs. We are a registered PBO and can provide tax certificates on request.

Why is caring for senior dogs so important?

Senior dogs are often the most overlooked dogs in rescue, yet they have so much love left to give. At Silver Paws, we believe every dog deserves to be cherished throughout their entire life. Our mission is to ensure that no senior dog spends their final years feeling unwanted, forgotten or alone.

DONATE

There are various ways in which you can donate to Silver Paws. We are grateful for every donation!

DONATE TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT

Silver Paws Senior Dog Sanctuary
FNB
Account Number: 630 8870 1967
Branch Code: 210835
BIC: FIRNZAJJ

DONATE VIA PAYFAST

(Credit / debit card, EFT, Zapper, Snapscan payments)

DONATE VIA PAYPAL

Click the image below to donate an amount of your choice via PayPal

DONATE VIA SHOPDONATION

Shop at various online stores through https://shopdonation.co.za and donate to us at no extra cost to you

DONATE TO OUR VET ACCOUNT

Vet on Main
Nedbank Current Account
Account Number: 1261831306
Please use reference Silver Paws

CROWDFUNDING

We often run Crowdfunding campaigns where you can easily donate from all over the world. Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive news of Crowdfunding initiatives.

FUNDRAISE FOR US

Organise a fundraiser among family and friends, or on social media. Please get in touch if you would like more information or assistance.

OUR WISHLIST

We are always in need of items to make our dogs’ lives ore comfortable. Please contact us if you would like to donate any of the items below:

Dog pellets – small, soft pellets
Tinned dog food
Doggy biscuits
Soft dog beds & pillows
Blankets
Used comforters
Used towels
Automatic washing powder
Black garbage bags
F10 disinfectant / Jik
Mops
Dewormers (Milpro)
Tick & flea meds (Nexgard)
Donations to vet bill
Donations to “Sponsor a square

PLANNED GIVING

Celebrate your love for senior dogs by with a planned gift through your will, trust or other financial plan. Please contact us if we can assist.

VOLUNTEER

Silver Paws are always on the lookout for volunteers to help care for our dogs.

You can help by volunteering to wash, walk or play with our dogs.

Our senior dogs love humans and they thrive on attention and interaction.

Please volunteer some of your time to help make our dogs last years happy.

FOSTER OR ADOPT

Please help Silver Paws by fostering or adopting one or more of our senior dogs.

We have a senior dog that’s right for you.

Help us make their last years happy by providing a safe and loving environment where our golden oldies can thrive.

Please note we have a vetting process and home checks will apply.

OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

These are some of our wonderful partners and sponsors - please support them

CONTACT US

Please get in touch

Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

FAQS