Animal welfare and rescue volunteer wanted in Tanzania!

Ready to swap your regular life for a wild adventure helping furry friends in Africa? This isn't your average gap year gig! 🐶 🐱

Accommodation: Dorm room
Location: Tanzania
Category: Wildlife and animals
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 3 weeks

About the project

This animal welfare program addresses Tanzania's critical need for improved animal care by working directly with local communities to change attitudes toward animal treatment. The project rescues street dogs and cats, providing medical care, shelter, and finding responsible homes for adoption. Working alongside qualified veterinarians, volunteers gain hands-on experience in animal medical care, rescue operations, and community education. The program focuses on sustainable impact by training local communities about proper animal care, conducting systematic vaccination campaigns, and building long-term relationships with pet owners. Located at a dedicated animal shelter in Arusha, the project also extends into outreach work, visiting villages and homes to provide veterinary services and rescue injured animals. Every volunteer contributes to breaking the cycle of animal abuse while building a foundation for better animal welfare practices across Tanzania.

What you bring

Minimum age of 18 years (exceptions possible with guardian permission)
Basic English language skills
High school education or equivalent
Clean criminal background check
CV with photo and motivation letter
A genuine love for animals and willingness to get dirty
Rabies vaccination (required for your safety)
Openness to new cultures and ways of working
Availability to work Monday through Saturday

What you do

Walk and socialize rescue dogs to improve their adoption chances
Administer medicine and care for injured and sick animals
Participate in physical therapy sessions for disabled dogs
Help with vaccination programs and outreach campaigns
Join outreach visits to local communities for animal education
Assist with rescuing animals from dangerous situations
Build enrichment toys and repair equipment like wheelchairs
Help with daily shelter maintenance and animal care

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What you get

Accommodation in a vibrant volunteer house with private bathrooms
Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
Airport pickup from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
Orientation and town tour to help you settle in
In-country program support throughout your stay
Program certificate to add to your resume
WiFi access to stay connected with home
Opportunities to join safaris and day tours in your free time
A life-changing experience making a real difference

What you don't get

Flight tickets to Tanzania (assistance provided to find affordable options)
Travel insurance (quotes available through partners)
Required vaccinations including mandatory rabies vaccination
Lunch during working days
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional safari tours and day trips (additional cost)
Visa fees if required for your nationality

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
3 weeks	€169.67	€509
4 weeks	€164.25	€657
5 weeks	€161.20	€806
6 weeks	€160	€960

Program availability: April 01, 2025 - November 30, 2026

Flight and airport

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for included pickup service. Airport transfers available from both JRO and Arusha Domestic Airport. Provide arrival details and a driver will meet you with a name sign. The organization assists with finding affordable flights to Tanzania.

Visa

Check Tanzania visa requirements for your nationality. Most visitors need a tourist visa available on arrival or online. Ensure 6+ months passport validity. Consult your embassy for current requirements and processing times.

Free time

Arusha offers incredible adventures during your free time! Join group safari tours to world-famous destinations like Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater for unforgettable wildlife experiences. For the ultimate challenge, attempt Mt. Kilimanjaro day hikes or explore Mt. Meru trails with stunning waterfalls. Cultural enthusiasts can visit authentic Maasai villages, explore traditional markets, or tour coffee and banana plantations in Moshi. Relaxation seekers can unwind at natural hot springs (Maji Moto), swim at hotel pools, or paddle around Lake Duluti surrounded by monkeys and birds. Adventure lovers can explore Chugga Caves, visit the Snake Park, or discover the Cultural Heritage Museum. The Njiro Complex near your hostel offers cinema, restaurants, gym facilities, and shopping. Evening communal dinners at The White House become planning sessions for weekend adventures with fellow volunteers, creating friendships that often last a lifetime. All activities are easily arranged through your accommodation!

Activities

Swimming

Hiking

Safari/Zoo

Riding

Climbing

Yoga/Meditation

A typical day

Your day starts at 9:00 AM with either transport to the animal shelter or meeting the veterinarian in town for outreach missions. At the shelter, every day brings different challenges and rewards. Begin with the essential morning dog walks – they aim to walk every dog twice daily, though with numerous rescued animals, this isn't always possible. Next, tend to injured dogs by administering medicine and providing nursing care, followed by behavioural training sessions to socialize animals for better adoption prospects. Your hands-on work includes conducting physiotherapy sessions in pools for disabled dogs, washing and feeding puppies, assisting with vaccinations, and building beds or repairing wheelchairs for disabled animals. On outreach days, you'll journey to local villages and homes alongside the veterinarian, helping rescue sick or injured animals, conducting surgeries, providing vaccinations, and educating families about proper animal care and rights. Working Monday through Saturday with flexible hours, you'll also support systematic castration and vaccination campaigns. No two days are alike, but each one contributes to transforming animal welfare across Tanzania while building your own skills and cultural understanding.

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