The History of the PDSA

The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals is an international charity organisation with one simple objective: to treat and care for sick and injured animals belonging to those animal owners who cannot afford the high cost of private veterinary services.

The PDSA is an international animal welfare organization that was founded by Maria Dickin in the United Kingdom in 1917. The PDSA (SA) was established in South Africa in 1937 with a small veterinary clinic in the old district Six area. In 1987 the PDSA became fully autonomous from the United Kingdom.

We intend to continue to use the foundations laid down by the founder of the PDSA, Maria Dickin, to further provide free medical and/or surgical treatment to animals/pets to people who can not afford the fees of private Veterinary Hospitals.

The PDSA (SA) established in South Africa more than 70 years ago is registered with the Department of Social Services as a non-profit organisation, registration number 003-288 NPO, and we have Section 18A Income Tax Exemption status.