Meet the Hearts Behind LRSA
Our Dedicated Team
Sharon
Founder
Eastern Cape
Ricki
Founder
Western Cape
Ruth
Founder/Behaviourist
Gauteng
Jane
Founder
Gauteng
Ashli
Operations Manager
Gauteng
Madri
Volunteer
Western Cape
Tamryn
Kennel Owner
Gauteng
Zodwa
Kennel Assistant
Gauteng
Marli
Volunteer
Gauteng
Julie
Volunteer
Gauteng
Kelly
Foster Mom
Western Cape
Anne
Volunteer
KwaZulu Natal (South Coast)
Our Story
How We Began: A Journey of Love
It all started with a shared love for Labradors—the loyal, loving companions who bring so much joy to families across South Africa. But for many, life’s unexpected challenges meant their beloved Labs could no longer stay with them. Some faced financial hardships, others had to emigrate, and many simply didn’t anticipate the boundless energy of an untrained Labrador puppy.
In 2009, amidst this growing need, Sharon Stadler took action. While serving as the Club Secretary of the Labrador Retriever Kennel Club (LRKC), she began rescuing and rehoming Labradors who needed a second chance. What started as a small initiative within the club quickly grew, as more and more Labs found themselves in search of new homes. By 2013, it became clear that Labrador Rescue had outgrown its origins—it needed to stand on its own. And so, Labrador Rescue South Africa (LRSA) was born.
From day one, LRSA was built on compassion and community. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, our mission was simple but vital: to be the bridge between families who could no longer care for their Labradors and those with open hearts and homes ready to welcome them. Our team, spread across the country—from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban to Bloemfontein—has spent years ensuring that every Labrador entrusted to us finds a loving, carefully matched forever home.
In the early years, we found homes for around 300 dogs annually. But as economic struggles, housing restrictions, and emigration increased, so did the number of Labs needing our help. Today, we rehome between 600 and 1,000 Labradors every year—making us one of South Africa’s largest breed-specific rescue organisations.
With no central shelter, we work tirelessly to match Labs directly to their new homes, minimising the stress of transition. But when immediate placement isn’t possible, we rely on kennels and the kindness of foster families. Our goal is not just to find any home but the right home—one where the dog will thrive and be loved unconditionally.
Over the years, our work has extended beyond simple rehoming. We’ve taken in abandoned, neglected, and retired service dogs, offering them rehabilitation, training, and a fresh start at life. We’ve matched older Labs with elderly companions in need of comfort, provided free behavioural advice to struggling owners, and even collaborated with SA Guide Dogs to find placements for Labradors no longer suited for service work.
Our dream is to do even more—to establish dedicated rehabilitation spaces, expand our senior dog sponsorship program, and work with retirement and rehabilitation centers to bring the healing presence of Labradors to those in need.
Through it all, Labrador Rescue South Africa has been driven by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, energy, and resources to help Labradors in need. While certain operational roles receive compensation to ensure the organisation runs effectively, every other aspect of our rescue work is fueled by the generosity of volunteers.
We don’t receive government funding, and every sterilisation, vaccination, and kennel stay is covered through donations and sponsorships from our community of Labrador lovers.
This is a labor of love, a testament to the power of compassion, and a promise that no Labrador should ever feel unwanted or abandoned.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Every adoption, every donation, every share on social media helps us continue our mission.
Together, we can change lives—one Labrador at a time.
Get in Touch
We’re Here to Help
Everything You Need to Know About Adoption, Support and More
Find Answers to Your Questions
Browse through the categories or use the magnifying glass icon 🔍 to search for a specific topic. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us through the form above this section—we’re happy to help!
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How do I adopt a Labrador from LRSA?Start by filling out our online Adoption Application Form. Our team will review your application, conduct a home check, and match you with a suitable dog. Once approved, you’ll be introduced to your Labrador and complete the adoption process.
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What is the adoption fee?LRSA does not charge a set adoption fee. However, we rely on donations to cover sterilisations, vaccinations, and medical care. Some adoptions may require a specific contribution to cover these costs.
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Can I adopt a Labrador if I have other pets?Yes! Many of our Labradors are social and do well with other pets. We encourage a meet-and-greet before finalising the adoption to ensure a good fit.
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Can I adopt a Labrador if I live in an apartment?Labradors need space and exercise, but apartment living is possible with regular walks and mental stimulation. A secure outdoor area is ideal, but our team will assess suitability during the home check.
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Do you allow out-of-province adoptions?Yes, but transport arrangements must be discussed. We prioritise the dog’s well-being and stress levels when considering long-distance adoptions.
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How can I support Labrador Rescue South Africa?You can help by donating, sponsoring a Labrador, fostering, or volunteering for home checks, admin, or transport. Monthly debit orders are especially helpful.
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Can I set up a recurring donation?Yes! The best way to support our rescue efforts is by setting up a recurring donation directly on our website using your debit or credit card. This provides a reliable source of funding for food, medical care, and shelter. If you prefer, you can also donate via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)—please contact us for banking details. You can also support us through the MySchool Card program. While it doesn’t always guarantee a donation each month, it’s a great way to help whenever you shop at participating stores. Please remember to add Labrador Rescue South Africa as your beneficiary!
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What does my donation go towards?100% of donations cover medical care, vaccinations, sterilisation, food, and transport costs. None of our volunteers receive compensation.
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Do you accept in-kind donations?Yes, we appreciate donations of dog food, beds, blankets, toys, and medical supplies. Please contact us to arrange drop-off or collection.
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How do businesses get involved with LRSA?Businesses can partner with us through corporate sponsorships, brand collaborations, and fundraising initiatives. If you’d like to discuss partnership opportunities, please get in touch!
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Can I fundraise for LRSA?Yes! Hosting a fundraiser, charity event, or donation drive is a great way to support Labrador Rescue. Let us know your plans, and we’ll be happy to assist!
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Can I choose a specific dog to sponsor?Yes! You can choose from the dogs available for sponsorship on our website. Your sponsorship helps cover their care while they wait for a forever home.
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Will I receive updates on my sponsored dog?Due to the high demands of rescue work, updates may be limited. However, we deeply appreciate your support and will do our best to provide general updates when possible.
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Do Labradors need a lot of exercise?Yes! Labradors are active dogs and require at least an hour of daily exercise, plus mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
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What should I feed my Labrador?A balanced diet with high-quality dog food, fresh water, and limited treats is best. Labradors are prone to obesity, so portion control is important.
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Are Labradors good with children?Yes, they are generally gentle and friendly, but supervision is always recommended, especially with young children and boisterous dogs.
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I need to rehome my Labrador. How does the process work?Fill out our Surrender Application Form with details about your dog’s health, behaviour, and history. We will list your dog on our database and work to find them a suitable home.
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Will LRSA take my Labrador immediately?We do not have kennels, so we prioritise home-to-home adoptions. If urgent, we can assist with fostering or temporary kenneling, but space is limited.
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What if my dog has behavioural issues?We work with qualified behaviourists who can assess your dog and offer training support before rehoming. Full disclosure of behavioural concerns is essential to finding the right home.
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How can I become a foster parent?Fill out our Volunteer Application Form, and our team will assess your home and experience level to match you with a suitable dog.
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I’d love to volunteer, but I don’t have much time. Are there small ways I can help?Absolutely! Even small actions, like sharing adoption posts on social media or assisting with admin work, make a difference.
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What support does LRSA provide for foster families?We provide food, veterinary care, and behavioral support. Fosters offer love and a temporary home while we find a forever family.
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What volunteer opportunities are available?We need help with home checks, transport, event planning, admin, and fundraising. Let us know your skills, and we’ll find the best way for you to contribute!