Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more information?
General Shelter Information
Where is the shelter located?
The shelter is located in the Mbuya neighborhood of Kampala, Uganda at Ismael Road, Plot 12. We have a large sign out front of our gate to let you know when you've arrived.
Please hoot to alert the caretakers that you are at the gate.
Does the shelter offer any retail products for animals?
We offer beds, collars, leads, toys, shampoos, medications and more, with all donations directly supporting the shelter's operations.
Does the USPCA ever euthanize animals?
In dire situations, when an animal does not exhibit potential to live a healthy, happy life after any necessary medical intervention, the shelter's Founder, Director and Veterinary team will discuss the most humane approach to handling the animal's path. In some cases, this results in euthanasia.
What should I do if I see a sick animal on the street?
Your safety is a priority in dealing with any animal on the street.
If the situation is urgent, such as an animal hit by a car, the first step is to call the USPCA, as someone can provide further instructions. If the situation is more general, such as a stray animal or a suspected case of cruelty or neglect, please email uspca2003@yahoo.com.
If the animal is determined safe (i.e. small puppies stuck in a ditch or an animal with a hurt leg that you can safely move) and you are able to bring the animal to the shelter safely, you are welcome to do so and this will help us greatly. We will ask you to fill out a release form to provide us with as much information as possible, and will accept any donation you are willing to give to contribute to housing/feeding/providing medical care for the animal(s).
Your assistance in helping our community's most vulnerable cats and dogs is most appreciated.
What should I do if I witness animal abuse or neglect?
If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please email uspca2003@yahoo.com. We do not advise getting involved. If the situation is urgent, call the shelter.
Donations, Financials & Fundraising
What types of donations does the USPCA need most?
The following items are always needed:
> Newspapers
> Holding/transport crates
> Towels and blankets
> Topical flea/tick drops
> Kitten/puppy formula and feeding bottles
The USPCA's wonderful donors cover certain monthly/ongoing costs, but the following areas are in need of support:
> Airtime/phone credit
> Internet
> Electricity
> Animal caretaker salaries
> Medication and veterinary supplies
Cash donations are of course most appreciated, and will help ensure our animals get the best possible level of care.
If you cannot visit the shelter, you can donate via mobile money or through our partner organization, Animal-Kind International. See here for more information.
If you wish to sponsor a kennel of animals on an annual basis, learn more here.
How does the USPCA spend its donations?
All donations go directly to supporting the shelter's daily operations and community outreach initiatives. Some donations are in-kind, where a local business might support the internet bill at the shelter, a local friend might give holding crates, or certain grants might be designated to directly support neonatal puppy/kitten care, shelter improvements or staff salaries. Read our annual reports here, which are audited each year.
The USPCA offers donors full transparency with audited accounts, an annual report, donation receipts, and other updates as requested.
For more information on donations, read here.
I want to fundraise for the shelter: Whom should I speak to?
We are always in need of businesses and good samaritans fundraising on behalf of the USPCA, holding events and spreading the word about our services.
To host an event at your business or fundraise on our behalf, please call ++256 772 403789 or +256 789 369997 or email uspca2003@yahoo.com.
Adoption, Fostering & Pet Ownership
How can I adopt or foster an animal?
Click here to learn about adopting a shelter animal. For information on fostering, read more here.
What can I expect after adopting an animal?
After coming home with you, it can take around 2 weeks for an animal to come out of its shell and show you its full personality. At first, even a confident dog may act frightened, but given time it will settle in and feel secure. A dog that is naturally more shy may take longer to trust and feel safe in its new environment.
Cats can take longer to relax. It's possible that a new cat may choose to run away from your home, thus we suggest keeping cats indoors for the first 10-14 days.
For more information, view or download our free resource pamphlets.
Why is it important to spay/neuter?
Spaying/neutering (also known as "sterilization" or "castration" or "fixing") is an ever-important, simple surgical procedures that will cause an animal to stop producing offspring. It has many behavioral and medical benefits for cats and dogs.
Did you know?
> Litter mates or mother and offspring will mate, causing dangerous inbreeding that often results in serious birth defects.
> Fixed animals may still have the urge (and the ability) to mate, thus their right to fun is not removed. Male pets will still be "manly"!
> One intact female cat and her mate, and all her subsequent offspring, can produce 2 million cats in just 8 years!
More information
"Fixed" dogs will be healthier, happier and better guard dogs.
1. Male dogs will not roam or run away looking for a female in heat. Female dogs will stay at the compound, exhibit less surprising behavior, and receive fewer visits from unwanted males (that can be aggressive).
2. Dogs will be less distracted.
3. Dogs will not able to spread or receive TVT (a cancerous tumor present in animals).
4. Dogs will live longer.
5. Female dogs will be healthier and stronger as pregnancy and nursing both require a great deal of energy.
6. Owners will enjoy reduced costs in animal care, as litters of puppies require extra food and medical care.
"Fixed" cats will be healthier, safer and happier.
1. Male cats will be less likely to roam in search of a mate, which can cause them to get lost or into trouble.
2. Females will attract less unwanted and aggressive attention when in heat, which can happen every 3 weeks if not fixed. During heat, they will roam, or if kept indoors, they will "yowl" into the night.
3. Male cats will be noticeably less aggressive after surgery.
4. Cats, especially males, will be less likely to "spray" their environments, and if they do spray, the odor wil be much less pungent.
5. Female cats will be healthier and stronger as pregnancy and nursing both require a great deal of energy.
6. Spay/neuter lessens the cat's chance of developing certain types of health problems. These include breast tumours and uterine infections in females and testicular cancer and prostate issues in males.
Why is it best to adopt instead of buy from a breeder?
Your safety is a priority in dealing with any animal on the street.
If the situation is urgent, such as an animal hit by a car, the first step is to call the USPCA, as someone can provide further instructions. If the situation is more general, such as a stray animal or a suspected case of cruelty or neglect, please email uspca2003@yahoo.com.
If the animal is determined safe (i.e. small puppies stuck in a ditch or an animal with a hurt leg that you can safely move) and you are able to bring the animal to the shelter safely, you are welcome to do so and this will help us greatly. We will ask you to fill out a release form to provide us with as much information as possible, and will accept any donation you are willing to give to contribute to housing/feeding/providing medical care for the animal(s).
Your assistance in helping our community's most vulnerable cats and dogs is most appreciated.