Volunteer at Mbwa Wa Africa: Support Animal Welfare in Tanzania
Join Our Animal Rescue Volunteer Program and Help Care for Neglected Dogs and Cats
The Mbwa Wa Africa shelter in Arusha provides vital care for injured, abused, and neglected dogs and cats. Founded in 2013, the shelter is home to around 80 dogs and 30 cats, including animals with special needs due to accidents or abuse. Volunteers play a critical role in caring for these animals by assisting with daily tasks such as walking, washing, and training, as well as helping with adoptions and fundraising efforts. This volunteer in animal shelter program is open to anyone who loves animals and wants to make a lasting impact on animal welfare in Tanzania.
Program Overview: Animal Welfare Volunteer Opportunities at Mbwa Wa Africa
The Mbwa Wa Africa animal shelter was established to address the urgent need for animal rescue and welfare education in the Arusha area. Situated near Arusha National Park, the shelter houses approximately 80 dogs and 30 cats, with a dedicated team providing food, shelter, and medical care to animals who have been abandoned, injured, or abused. Volunteers at the shelter engage in a range of activities, from hands-on care for special needs animals to assisting in the veterinary clinic and helping to organize spay and neuter campaigns.
As an animal rescue volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced staff, including a veterinary team, to provide specialized care for animals with disabilities and prepare animals for adoption. The shelter relies on volunteers for both daily tasks – like feeding, washing, and playing with the animals – and crucial initiatives, including fundraising and community education. This volunteer work at a dog shelter offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, while exploring the stunning Tanzanian landscape and engaging with local communities.
Your Role as a Volunteer: Caring for Tanzania’s Vulnerable Animals
Provide Hands-On Care for Dogs and Cats
As a volunteer in an animal shelter, your main role involves direct care for the animals, including walking, washing, feeding, and training. Many of these animals require additional attention due to previous injuries or special needs, and your support ensures they receive the love and care they deserve. Working closely with the animals every day allows you to make a direct, positive impact on their well-being.
Assist with Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation
If you have an interest in veterinary medicine, you’ll have the chance to assist the on-site clinic team with treatments and rehabilitation. This can include helping with wound care, supporting spay and neuter programs, and learning basic veterinary procedures, providing a unique experience for anyone interested in animal healthcare. This volunteer in animal hospital role is an invaluable part of preparing animals for adoption and promoting long-term health.
Support Shelter Operations and Fundraising Efforts
Beyond animal care, volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the shelter’s sustainability. You’ll assist with adoption efforts, engage in fundraising initiatives, and participate in outreach programs to educate the community on animal welfare. This component of the animal conservation volunteer program helps raise awareness, support shelter operations, and build a compassionate community for animal welfare in Tanzania.
Volunteer Program Details: Duration, Requirements, and Logistics
The Mbwa Wa Africa program welcomes volunteers aged 18 and over, with no prior experience necessary – just a passion for animals and basic English skills. Volunteers can stay for a minimum of two weeks, with flexible start dates. Key responsibilities include daily animal care, assisting in the veterinary clinic, and supporting fundraising and adoption efforts. Volunteers with a veterinary background are encouraged to participate in the clinic’s activities, while all others can contribute by caring for the animals and engaging in community outreach.
Volunteers typically work from morning to afternoon, with hours arranged on an individual basis. Accommodation is provided at our nearby hostel, and transportation is readily available. Volunteers are required to make a $100 donation for the first four weeks and $25 for each additional week, supporting food, veterinary bills, and shelter operations.
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, flexible start dates.
- Requirements: 18 years or older, basic English, passion for animals; veterinary experience is optional.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Direct animal care (feeding, walking, training)
- Assist with veterinary care (wound treatment, spay/neuter programs)
- Support adoption, fundraising, and community education
- Working Hours: Flexible, scheduled individually.
- Logistics:
- Hostel accommodation provided
- $100 initial donation, $25 per additional week
The Impact You Will Make
Volunteering at Mbwa Wa Africa has a transformative impact on the lives of animals in Arusha. Many dogs and cats at the shelter have been abandoned, injured, or abused, and your care brings them a sense of security, love, and healing. By supporting the shelter’s daily operations, veterinary needs, and adoption programs, you help ensure that these animals receive essential medical care and the chance to find loving homes. Community outreach and education efforts promote a culture of compassion and respect for animals, helping to create long-term, positive change in animal welfare across the region.
What's Included?
- Pre-arrival support through email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls
- Advice and guidance about the projects
- Pick up at the airport or bus station on your arrival
- Drop off at the airport or a bus station when you leave
- An orientation tour in Arusha personalized to your individual needs, including help buying a local SIM card, guidance on how to use public transport, and lunch
- On the first day of your project, our volunteer coordinator will come with you to show you which public transport to take and make sure you settle in well at your project
- Accommodation in our hostel. Dormitories or private rooms
- Breakfast and dinner seven days a week in the hostel. Lunch can be provided at the project and will cost about $10 USD per week.
- 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German
- Additional free time activities, such as safaris and treks, can be organized by the hostel for an additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.
To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit. Consult your Foreign Affairs Office if you're unsure.
Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.
We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.
