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Excellent 4.84rating (124)
  • Life On Land

Animal Welfare Volunteer – Dog & Cat Rescue

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience the beauty of Africa in it’s culture and wildlife scenery
  • Help street animals to find loving homes and get treatment
  • Intercultural exchange and mutual learning

Highlights

  • Experience the beauty of Africa in it’s culture and wildlife scenery
  • Help street animals to find loving homes and get treatment
  • Intercultural exchange and mutual learning
  • Meet interesting people from all over the world and make new friends
  • Cuddle dogs and cats and go for a walk with them
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join an animal shelter and care for abandoned dogs and cats by supporting daily care, feeding, cleaning, walking and socialisation or help them recover in the vet clinic.

    🐕 Community Animal Welfare

    Volunteers can support awareness activities that encourage responsible pet ownership and help local communities understand the importance of vaccination, sterilisation and humane treatment of animals.

    🏡 Finding a New Home

    The goal is not simply to rescue animals, but ...

    About the program

    🐕 Community Animal Welfare

    Volunteers can support awareness activities that encourage responsible pet ownership and help local communities understand the importance of vaccination, sterilisation and humane treatment of animals.

    🏡 Finding a New Home

    The goal is not simply to rescue animals, but to help them recover and find suitable long-term homes. Volunteers can support the animals' socialisation and daily care while learning more about responsible adoption and animal welfare.

    The goal is not only to care for animals at the shelter, but also to contribute to long-term improvements in animal welfare within the local community.

    Volunteers without veterinary qualifications do not perform medical procedures. They may assist the veterinary team with appropriate non-clinical tasks under supervision. Qualified veterinary students or professionals may have additional responsibilities depending on their qualifications and the approval of the local veterinary team.

    Typical day

    8:00 AM – Breakfast

    Start your morning with breakfast together with the other volunteers at the Giving Hands hostel.

    9:00 AM – Arrive at the animal rescue centre
    Meet the local team and learn about the animals and their individual needs.

    Morning – Animal Care & Support
    Depending on the day's ...

    Typical day

    8:00 AM – Breakfast

    Start your morning with breakfast together with the other volunteers at the Giving Hands hostel.

    9:00 AM – Arrive at the animal rescue centre
    Meet the local team and learn about the animals and their individual needs.

    Morning – Animal Care & Support
    Depending on the day's priorities, you may help with:

    • Feeding and caring for dogs and cats

    • Cleaning and maintaining the animal areas

    • Walking and exercising suitable dogs

    • Playing with puppies and socialising animals

    • Supporting animals with special care needs

    • Helping prepare animals for adoption

    • Supporting the team with non-medical tasks at the rescue centre

    Community & Animal Welfare Education
    On selected days, volunteers may also support community awareness activities about responsible pet ownership, vaccination, sterilisation and humane treatment of animals.

    1:00–2:00 PM – End of the project day
    Return to the volunteer house and enjoy your afternoon in Arusha.

    Your exact activities depend on the current needs of the animals and the instructions of the local team.

    Free-time activities

    Explore Tanzania

    Volunteering is only one part of your experience in Tanzania. During your free time and weekends, you can discover the incredible landscapes, culture and wildlife of the region.

    🛖 Visit a Maasai Village

    Experience Maasai culture and learn more about traditional ways of life, customs ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore Tanzania

    Volunteering is only one part of your experience in Tanzania. During your free time and weekends, you can discover the incredible landscapes, culture and wildlife of the region.

    🛖 Visit a Maasai Village

    Experience Maasai culture and learn more about traditional ways of life, customs and community traditions.

    🌿 Moshi & Materuni Waterfalls

    Explore Moshi town and visit the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, surrounded by lush green landscapes at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

    ♨️ Hot Springs

    Spend a relaxing day at one of Tanzania's natural hot springs and enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by beautiful scenery.

    🦁 Safari

    Experience Tanzania's incredible wildlife on a safari. Discover elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and many other animals in their natural habitat.

    🏔️ Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru

    Challenge yourself with an unforgettable mountain adventure. Choose between Mount Meru or the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa's highest mountain.

    🥾 Hiking & Nature Adventures

    Explore the beautiful landscapes around Arusha on hikes and day trips. Discover waterfalls, forests, mountains and breathtaking viewpoints.

    🌍 Weekend Trips

    Make the most of your time in Tanzania with exciting weekend trips and excursions. Whether you want to explore nature, experience local culture or simply relax, there is always something new to discover.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Love for animals

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 13:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    🏡 More Than Just a Volunteer Project

    Airport pickup
    We pick you up directly from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport.

    Volunteer accommodation
    Stay together with other international volunteers in our hostel in Arusha.

    Orientation in Arusha
    We show you the city, local markets, supermarkets and everything you need for everyday life.

    First-day support
    We accompany you to your project on your first day.

    Meals
    Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday to Friday.

    Local support
    Our team is available throughout your stay.


    PLEASE NOTE: for the maintainence of the animal shelter, a weekly donation of 25USD will have to be paid directly to the shelter.

    Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

    We pick you up Monday to Friday at anytime from the airport at any time (Kilimandjaro or Arusha Airport) and any day and bring you back on your last day also at any time.

    Accommodation

    You will live in our big volunteer hostel with 6 rooms and 5 bathrooms, a kitchen with a big fridge and storage drafts for your food, a big living and dining room, 2 verandas, 2 balcony’s and a BIG garden to chill. My husband and me, we also live on the same compound, so if you need anything or have problems we are always there. We have a fence and a wall around the hostel and we have a security guard who is here night and day to protect the house. On top of that we have our angel Helena, she is cooking, washing and cleaning for you. 

    Our hostel is very central in Arusha in a nice neighbour, 5 minutes foot walk to the bus station, fruit stands, pharmacy and small restaurants, 10 minutes walking to a big European supermarket and 10 minutes with the bus to the city centre. There is also a gym (also courses like yoga etc), many swimming pools and restaurants or cafes in near neighbourhood around the hostel.


    You will be in a shared room in your own big bed with Moskito net and bed material we will put you and also wash it every week. The rooms have cupboards and you share the bathroom (with warm water) and toilet with the other room.

    Feel home anytime - Karibu sana!

    Food & Beverages

    We cook for you Breakfast and Dinner from Monday to Friday with delicious African tea and coffee, bread with peanut butter, butter and jam and a special every day like pancakes, mandazi, eggs, guacamole with avocado or fruits. For dinner we serve a mixture of African and western dishes like spaghetti, rice and chapati. The food is mostly vegetarian.

    If you have allergies or anything don’t hesitate to let us know, such that we can adapt the food. It’s even mostly vegan for those who want. 

    For lunch most of the volunteers eat in their projects or in the small local restaurants around.


    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You can start at any time of the year, the dogs are always there in the rescue shelter.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $170 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Tanzania > Arusha

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sarah
    124
    reviews
    4.84
    Excellent
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: German, French, English, Swahili
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Street Animals in Tanzania
    Contact Sarah
      Good response rate
    German, French, English, Swahili

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details