Johannesburg, South Africa — Border Collie Rescue SA has spent nearly three decades helping unwanted, abandoned and surrendered Border Collies find new homes. Now the organisation is facing a relocation crisis of its own.
The kennels that have housed the rescue’s dogs for the past 21 years have been sold, leaving the organisation with a deadline of 19 December 2026 to secure and prepare a new base.
Around 40 dogs are currently in its care. They remain safe, but Border Collie Rescue has temporarily stopped accepting new rescues until suitable premises can be secured.
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has already raised more than R339,000 from 370 donors towards a R1 million goal, giving the organisation a strong start towards the costs of relocating and setting up a new facility.
Among those supporting the campaign is Ian Cameron, who has donated and helped draw further attention to the rescue’s situation. Cameron also has two Border Collies adopted from the organisation.
Radio and television personality Danny Painter has also supported the campaign and has five Border Collies adopted from the rescue.
29 Years of Giving Border Collies Another Chance
Border Collie Rescue was established in 1997 in response to the growing number of unwanted Border Collies needing homes.
The organisation says it has helped rehome approximately 15000 dogs over the years, while also providing rehabilitation, foster care and support to owners who can no longer care for their dogs.
That work often begins well before adoption.
Some dogs arrive needing veterinary treatment, time to recover, behavioural support or rehabilitation before they can be matched with the right family.
Thembi is one example.
Although she is not a Border Collie, the rescue describes her as an “honorary collie” after stepping in when she desperately needed help. She arrived severely underweight and seriously ill and required a blood transfusion.
Today, Thembi has recovered into a playful dog with a particular enthusiasm for food.
Her story reflects the wider spirit behind the rescue’s work. When an animal is in serious need and the organisation is able to help, it steps in.
That is the kind of work Border Collie Rescue hopes to continue from a secure new base.
A Possible New Home in Midrand
The organisation has identified a potential property in Midrand as an option for its next home.
The site has access to water and electricity and is close to veterinary services, but considerable work would still be required before around 40 dogs could move in.
The rescue says the property would need secure fencing and perimeter work, kennels and runs, shaded areas, storage and office space, as well as general repairs.
For Border Collie Rescue, finding suitable premises is not simply about having enough kennel space.
Border Collies are active, intelligent dogs, and the organisation’s work includes exercise, socialisation, rehabilitation and behavioural support. The new facility therefore needs to give staff and volunteers enough space to continue that work safely.
Funds raised through the campaign will help towards securing and preparing the new premises, as well as the practical costs of moving the dogs.
The organisation is also appealing to businesses and individuals who may be able to assist with fencing, kennel equipment, transport, building materials or other relocation needs.
More Than 370 Donors Have Already Stepped In
The public response has given Border Collie Rescue valuable momentum at a time when every week matters.
More than 360 people have contributed over R339,000, while supporters have also helped spread the appeal more widely.
With the 19 December deadline approaching, however, the organisation still has a significant amount to raise and prepare before a move can happen.
The campaign is therefore addressing two needs at once. The immediate priority is to secure and prepare a new property for the dogs already in care. The longer-term need is to keep the rescue operating after relocation.
Once-off donations can help with moving and infrastructure costs, while recurring support can contribute towards food, veterinary treatment and the everyday costs of caring for the dogs.
After 29 years of helping Border Collies find homes, the organisation is now asking the public to help it secure one of its own.
The immediate goal is clear: prepare a safe new base before the December deadline, move the dogs currently in care and ensure Border Collie Rescue can continue its work into 2027.
To support Border Collie Rescue SA, visit the BackaBuddy campaign.
