Giraffe in Tanzania
Paid program

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! 🐶 🐱

Salary
Not specified
Location
Tanzania
Accommodation
Available
Category
Volunteering
Language
English
Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter
Availability
Min. 1 Month
April 2025 through November 2026

Job description

join our animal welfare program in vibrant Tanzania and become part of a movement to change local attitudes towards animal care! This volunteer opportunity places you directly on the front lines of animal rescue and rehabilitation in a developing country where your impact will be immediately visible. Working alongside qualified veterinarians, you'll help care for rescued street dogs and cats at a local shelter, giving treatments, medicine and lots of love to animals that have had a rough start. You might walk dogs, give physical therapy in the pool to disabled pups, build enrichment toys, or even participate in outreach programs to educate communities about animal welfare. Each day brings new challenges and heartwarming moments as you help these animals recover and prepare for their forever homes. In addition to meaningful work, you'll experience authentic Tanzanian culture while living in our vibrant volunteer house - making friendships with other animal lovers from around the world and having the chance to participate in amazing safaris and day trips in your free time. No veterinary experience required - just bring your compassion, willingness to get dirty and readiness for an adventure that will change both you and the animals you help!

The organization charges program fees to make this project possible, we have listed the costs below: 

  • 3 weeks (min. stay): €583
  • 4 weeks: €777
  • 5 weeks: €971
  • 6 weeks: €1,165
  • 10 weeks: €1,942
  • 50 weeks (max. stay): €2,330
  • Average: €194 per week

Would you like to know exactly what all is included in your adventure in Zanzibar? Then scroll down and find all the details under the "What you get" heading. If you are interested or have any questions, we encourage you to ''apply'' without obligation so you can get in touch with the organization directly.  

Your new workplace

What you have

  • 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

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

Ready to go?

Your application goes directly to the employer. The contact and selection process is handled by them.