_Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I go to the shelter without an appointment?
MAPS is currently run solely by volunteers as we do not have the funds to employ full time staff. Because of this, it is impossible to have someone at the shelter full time. Unfortunately we have had incidents in the past where members of the public where at the shelter without supervision and dogs escaped, ran away and in one case even bit someone. For this reason we cannot allow any members of the public to visit the shelter without a MAPS representative present. Please understand that this rule is for the safety of the general public, as well as that of our animals. We do ask that anyone wanting to visit the shelter please make an appointment with us and we will try our best to accommodate you.
If i see an animal I like, can i take it home right away?
Unfortunately not. MAPS has a very strict adoption policy put in place by professionals to ensure the safety and well being of our animals. It is common for re-homing shelters to have this type of process. MAPS will not make exceptions for anyone, all persons wanting to adopt through MAPS must go through the adoption process. Please note that even our foster parents have to go through the adoption process if they decide they want to permanently adopt their foster animal.
Why is there an adoption fee?
MAPS is run completely on donations from the public and unfortunately this does not cover most of our costs. as some months we may receive no donations at all. The adoption fee was put into place to help us cover the costs of re-homing these animals. PLEASE NOTEthat we do not make any profit from the adoption fees at all. The fee covers the cost of Spay / neuter, 1 general vaccination, 1 rabies vaccination, de-worming and a medical booklet. The fee doesn't cover the costs of food, cat litter in the case of cats etc. Without charging an adoption fee, we would be unable to re-home healthy, vaccinated animals and we would bee unable to continue the work that we do.
Why do the animals have to be spayed / neutered?
MAPS has a very strict spay / neuter policy as we strongly believe that population control is the only way to conquer the stray animal conundrum. There are many many reasons in favor of spay / neuter including very strong arguments towards an animals health. We strive to have all animals spayed / neutered before they leave the shelter, but at times this is impossible (as in the case of young animals). In the situation where an animal has been re-homed before it was fixed, we do insist that the owner bring the animal back at a specified date to have the operation done. While we will try our best to arrange the operation when it suits the new owner and assist where we can, please understand that with our limited resources we are unable to drive around picking up animals and we do ask that the owner take the responsibility of doing this.
Why do I have to look at the animals online first?
MAPS currently has animals housed in various locations. The dogs are in Maputo kennels and Matola kennels and most of the cats are in foster homes. We ask that you first view the animals online so that we can make sure you are seeing the dogs that interest you without you having drive from place to place. This also gives all our dogs a fair chance at being adopted, even though they might be in various places.
What is the interview about?
The interview is done at the same time as the premises check and is very informal and nothing to worry about. Because we are a small group of people who work with these animals, each and every case becomes intensely personal for us. The interview is a chance for us to get to know you, find out your expectations of the animal you are wanting to adopt, answer any questions and guide you in any problem areas.
Why do you do a premises check?
The premises check is a standard feature of any re-homing program the world over. We do a premises check to make sure that your premises are suitable to the animal you are wanting to adopt, and also to help you with any danger zones / unsuitable areas in your home. Because we know the animals we adopt out, we are in a position to be able to point out potential problems areas. PLEASE NOTE that we are not going to judge you on the tidiness of your home or how grand your garden is. We look at your home from a purely "safety" point of view. Our priority is that the animals we adopt out will be safe and happy in their new homes.
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you!
Why can't I go to the shelter without an appointment?
MAPS is currently run solely by volunteers as we do not have the funds to employ full time staff. Because of this, it is impossible to have someone at the shelter full time. Unfortunately we have had incidents in the past where members of the public where at the shelter without supervision and dogs escaped, ran away and in one case even bit someone. For this reason we cannot allow any members of the public to visit the shelter without a MAPS representative present. Please understand that this rule is for the safety of the general public, as well as that of our animals. We do ask that anyone wanting to visit the shelter please make an appointment with us and we will try our best to accommodate you.
If i see an animal I like, can i take it home right away?
Unfortunately not. MAPS has a very strict adoption policy put in place by professionals to ensure the safety and well being of our animals. It is common for re-homing shelters to have this type of process. MAPS will not make exceptions for anyone, all persons wanting to adopt through MAPS must go through the adoption process. Please note that even our foster parents have to go through the adoption process if they decide they want to permanently adopt their foster animal.
Why is there an adoption fee?
MAPS is run completely on donations from the public and unfortunately this does not cover most of our costs. as some months we may receive no donations at all. The adoption fee was put into place to help us cover the costs of re-homing these animals. PLEASE NOTEthat we do not make any profit from the adoption fees at all. The fee covers the cost of Spay / neuter, 1 general vaccination, 1 rabies vaccination, de-worming and a medical booklet. The fee doesn't cover the costs of food, cat litter in the case of cats etc. Without charging an adoption fee, we would be unable to re-home healthy, vaccinated animals and we would bee unable to continue the work that we do.
Why do the animals have to be spayed / neutered?
MAPS has a very strict spay / neuter policy as we strongly believe that population control is the only way to conquer the stray animal conundrum. There are many many reasons in favor of spay / neuter including very strong arguments towards an animals health. We strive to have all animals spayed / neutered before they leave the shelter, but at times this is impossible (as in the case of young animals). In the situation where an animal has been re-homed before it was fixed, we do insist that the owner bring the animal back at a specified date to have the operation done. While we will try our best to arrange the operation when it suits the new owner and assist where we can, please understand that with our limited resources we are unable to drive around picking up animals and we do ask that the owner take the responsibility of doing this.
Why do I have to look at the animals online first?
MAPS currently has animals housed in various locations. The dogs are in Maputo kennels and Matola kennels and most of the cats are in foster homes. We ask that you first view the animals online so that we can make sure you are seeing the dogs that interest you without you having drive from place to place. This also gives all our dogs a fair chance at being adopted, even though they might be in various places.
What is the interview about?
The interview is done at the same time as the premises check and is very informal and nothing to worry about. Because we are a small group of people who work with these animals, each and every case becomes intensely personal for us. The interview is a chance for us to get to know you, find out your expectations of the animal you are wanting to adopt, answer any questions and guide you in any problem areas.
Why do you do a premises check?
The premises check is a standard feature of any re-homing program the world over. We do a premises check to make sure that your premises are suitable to the animal you are wanting to adopt, and also to help you with any danger zones / unsuitable areas in your home. Because we know the animals we adopt out, we are in a position to be able to point out potential problems areas. PLEASE NOTE that we are not going to judge you on the tidiness of your home or how grand your garden is. We look at your home from a purely "safety" point of view. Our priority is that the animals we adopt out will be safe and happy in their new homes.
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you!