Tears enters 2026 focused on adoptions, care and prevention
Tears Animal Rescue says strong community support and preventative care will remain central to its work as it looks ahead to 2026.
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As Tears Animal Rescue enters 2026, the organisation is looking ahead with optimism after a year marked by strong adoptions, preventative care, and community support.
During 2025, the organisation helped more than 840 animals find permanent homes. This included over 320 dog adoptions and more than 494 cat adoptions, with puppies and kittens remaining the most popular among adopters.
Young animals made up the majority of adoptions, with 54% of kennel adoptions being puppies and 60% of cattery adoptions being kittens.
At the same time, the shelter celebrated some particularly meaningful outcomes, with “six long-stay animals finally walking out the gates” after waiting months, and in some cases years, to find homes.
Adoptions, however, form just one part of its work.
Over the course of the year, the veterinary team carried out more than 6 351 sterilisations and implanted over 620 microchips, helping to prevent future suffering through long-term, proactive care.
Looking to the year ahead, Dylan Malander, junior marketing lead at Tears Animal Rescue, said the focus for 2026 is on helping more animals while maintaining high standards of care.
“A successful 2026 for us would be one where we can help more animals than ever before - without compromising on the quality of care they receive,” Mr Malander said.
He added that success also means sustainable operations, strong adoption outcomes, expanded sterilisation efforts, and continued strengthening of facilities and programmes.
“Most importantly, it would mean fewer animals suffering in our communities because of preventative work done today,” he said.
While all areas of the organisation’s work are closely linked, Mr Malander said the emphasis this year will be on expanding sterilisation services and continuing recovery and resilience efforts following last year’s fire.
“Sterilisation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce animal suffering long-term,” he said, adding that improving infrastructure, kennel capacity and rehabilitation resources will help give animals the best chance of recovery and successful adoption.
The animal welfare organisation also expressed appreciation for the support it received during 2025, including during a fire in September that damaged parts of the shelter. Thanks to quick action, all animals were evacuated safely.
Volunteers continued to play a vital role throughout the year.
In 2025, volunteers visited the shelter on 106 out of 365 days, taking dogs out for walks, outings and breaks from kennel life - experiences that help animals build trust and cope better in a shelter environment.
Fundraising remained an important part of sustaining the work.
The organisation has confirmed that its sold-out charity fashion show, which saw rescue dogs take to the runway, raised approximately R250 000.
According to Mr Malander, the funds will be used in 2026 for animal care and recovery efforts, including medical treatment, sterilisation programmes, rehabilitation support and ongoing operational and rebuilding costs.
With the new year underway, Tears says it remains grateful for community support and focused on continuing to make a difference in the lives of animals in need through adoption, care and prevention.