DARG — Domestic Animal Rescue Group

The Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) is a registered non-profit in Hout Bay, Cape Town, that rescues, cares for, sterilises and rehomes cats and dogs that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. It works particularly in the lower-income communities of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg as well as the wider Hout Bay area.

DARG's shelter sits on a large plot on Main Road, with an extensive cat garden and cat sanctuary, indoor and outdoor kennels, and separate rooms for animals in treatment or rehabilitation. It works with a behaviourist to match animals with the right adopters, and local press have noted its very low return rate. Dogs and cats available for adoption are shown on its website.

In August 2023 DARG opened the Rush Ndou DARG Community Clinic, registered with the South African Veterinary Council, which provides vet care at cost for animals from Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu. The clinic focuses on large-scale sterilisation and pet care education, and depends on donations from the public and local businesses.

DARG relies on the public's generosity. You can make a once-off or monthly donation, buy from its wishlist or online shop, shop at the Book Shack and second-hand shop on the DARG property, or volunteer (volunteers must be over 18 and attend an orientation, held at 10am on Sundays, before walking dogs). The shelter is open to visitors Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm, and Sunday, 10am to 1pm.