Snake Bite Treatment – Veterinary Clinics
(Western Cape)
Below is a list of Vets who treat snake bites. If a pet is bitten by a snake, phone the clinic immediately before travelling so they can prepare antivenom.
Southern Suburbs & South Peninsula
Cape Animal Medical Centre
Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
Tel: 021 674 0034
Hout Bay Veterinary Clinic
57 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay
Tel: 021 790 2640
Penzance Veterinary Clinic
112 Main Road, Hout Bay
Tel: 021 790 4777
Fourways Veterinary Clinic
1A Jangada Avenue, Sun Valley
Tel: 021 785 2251
Glencairn Animal Hospital
Glencairn Centre, Birkenhead Road, Glencairn
Tel: 021 782 4472
Noordhoek Veterinary Clinic
Main Road, Noordhoek
Tel: 021 789 2888
Northern Suburbs
Panorama Veterinary Clinic
1 Uys Krige Drive, Panorama
Tel: 021 930 6632
Tygerberg Animal Hospital – Bellville
1 Kontiki Avenue, Bellville
Tel: 021 919 1191
Helderberg & Surrounds
Helderberg Animal Hospital
12 St James Street, Somerset West
Tel: 021 852 3016
Strand Animal Hospital
93 Da Gama Street, Strand
Tel: 021 854 7037
Tygerberg Animal Hospital – Somerset West
50 Reitz Street, Somerset West
Tel: 021 851 5739
Cape Winelands
Paarl Boulevard Animal Hospital
Berg River Boulevard, Paarl
Tel: 021 863 3187
Stellenbosch Animal Hospital
Stelmark Centre, 1 Banghoek
Tel: 021 887 3052
What to do immediately
Snake bites in dogs and cats are fairly common in the Western Cape, especially during the warmer months when snakes are active. Pets are often bitten in gardens, on walking trails, or near wetlands, rivers and beaches. Curious animals that try to chase or investigate a snake are most at risk.
If you suspect a snake bite, keep your pet as calm and still as possible and take it to a veterinarian immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out venom. The sooner treatment is given, the better the chance of survival. Carry your pet if possible (movement spreads venom faster). Phone the vet immediately and drive straight there. Time matters.
Typical symptoms include sudden weakness or collapse, shaking, vomiting, drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty walking, or paralysis. Some pets may appear normal at first and then deteriorate quickly.
Snake antivenom can neutralise venom already in the body but does not give future protection. Most pets recover if treated quickly, but delays can be fatal, so urgent veterinary care is essential.
Guide to common snakes in the Western Cape
