Animal Welfare in Arusha
This wonderful program works in a number of ways to raise awareness of and stop the abuse and neglect of animals, while also providing hands-on care for animals in need. Volunteers can choose to work on the animal welfare campaign, or in the animal shelter, or do both!
The need for more adequate animal care and education of the population in and around the Arusha area is huge. The shelter cares for a large number of puppies and fully grown dogs, and some cats. The animal welfare program works on education and awareness programs in the Meru region to protect animals from cruelty.
They are fighting for a different perception of animals within their culture and society, and the five freedoms of animals: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior.
Program Snapshot
Goals of this Project
- Provide essential care and support to vulnerable animals in Tanzania
- Increase awareness of the plight of animals and educate people on animal rights
- Create a safer society for animals to live
- Enable inter-cultural exchange between locals and international volunteers
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in this program in promoting the care and well-being of animals. From working in a shelter to designing animal welfare campaigns, volunteers could work on a range of tasks with the same important aim – to create a better life for animals in Tanzania.
While volunteer placements can be as little as two weeks, those wishing to stay three to six months will be able to make a huge contribution to the animal welfare program – and see projects and initiatives through to completion.
Volunteer Tasks & Responsibilities
Volunteers will contribute in several ways and can expect to undertake some of the following tasks:
Animal Care
Provide day-to-day care to dogs and cats (playing with, caring for, and walking dogs).
Education Programs
Design animal welfare education programs for the community.
Marketing & Fundraising
Write marketing materials and work on fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
Community Outreach
Educate children in schools on animal welfare and the five freedoms of animals.
Project Development
Seek donors, apply for grants, and present reports to donors.
18yrs+ / Passion for Animals
Memorable Vacation Africa welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the domesticated animals of Tanzania. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/zoological studies or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field.
The project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications, or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of the local project leaders.
Public Hostel / Meals Included
Volunteers on the Animal program in Arusha are accommodated in a modern, comfortable, safe, and secure beautiful hostel run by Memorable Vacation Africa in the neighborhood of Arusha, a short ride on the ubiquitous motorbikes or Dala Dala (minibuses).
Volunteers are housed on their own floor in dormitory-style rooms shared between 4 persons. Rooms are split by gender. Each room has a private bathroom with hot showers, mosquito netting over each bed, and individual lockable storage for valuables.
A local team member lives on-site at the hostel and is on-hand from 8 am – 8 pm on weekdays to assist with anything volunteers require.
Tanzania, Arusha – The Safari Capital
Situated in northern Tanzania, Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region and is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate.
Arusha balances well the 'city life' with the 'small town' feel, and that makes it even more attractive in the eyes of tourists and travelers from all parts of the world. The city is surrounded by farm estates growing coffee, wheat, and maize.
Arusha is commonly referred to as the safari capital of East Africa. It is a vibrant town renowned for its streets filled with tourist vehicles, the Maasai warriors, and the famous Central Market.
Start from Two Weeks
This project is available year-round, and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team.
Weeks Minimum
Recommended starting duration
Weeks Maximum
Longer stays can be arranged
Start Day
Programs start every Saturday
Spaces are limited, early booking is recommended
Your Journey Begins Here
Breakfast, Dinner & Airport transfers included
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation, where they will join a short welcome session.
On Sunday, volunteers attend an orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Tanzania.
You will also be taken on a town tour where you can purchase a SIM card so you can access the internet during your placement (you will need to ensure you have had your phone unlocked before your arrival).
This schedule can be customized to fit your interests.
Orientation Highlights
- Welcome session upon arrival
- Local customs & rules briefing
- Town tour with SIM card purchase
- Meet fellow volunteers
- Safari trip planning assistance
What's Included?
- Pre-arrival support (Email, WhatsApp, telephone, video calls)
- Advice and guidance about the projects
- Airport pick up on arrival
- Airport drop off on departure
- Personalized orientation tour in Arusha
- Help buying local SIM card & public transport guidance
- First day project accompaniment
- Accommodation in our hostel (dormitories or private rooms)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- 24/7 support from volunteer coordinators
- Additional free time activities organization
Visa Information
An 'Ordinary Visa for Humanitarian and charity activities' is required to volunteer in Tanzania. It costs US$50 (US$100 for US citizens) and can be obtained on arrival.
We will issue an 'invitation letter' if needed in order to get the right visa. Please ensure you have sufficient US$ to pay for the volunteer visa on arrival (notes must be no older than 2009).
The visa, which is valid for three months, can then be renewed for a further three months if required.
Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
What to Expect
A volunteer's work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours, Monday – Friday. Weekends are free to explore!
Why Memorable Vacation Africa – Volunteer
Ready to Help Animals in Need?
Join our Animal Welfare program and make a real difference for animals in Tanzania.