Animal Shelter Supporter

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Take care of neglected dogs and cats in Arusha
  • Walk the dogs through the beautiful Tanzanian landscape and become the pack leader
  • Washing and caring for the animals

Highlights

  • Take care of neglected dogs and cats in Arusha
  • Walk the dogs through the beautiful Tanzanian landscape and become the pack leader
  • Washing and caring for the animals
  • Training the dogs
  • Explore Tanzania by day trips, safaris or mountain climbs


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This shelter for cats and dogs was established in order to meet the great need of more adequate animal care & education of the population.

    The animal shelter was launched in 2013. The need for more adequate animal care and education of the population in and around Arusha is huge!

    Some of the dogs are puppies, another large number (more then 25 dogs) only have two legs, are paralyzed or have other special needs. The shelter consists of a ...

    About the program

    The animal shelter was launched in 2013. The need for more adequate animal care and education of the population in and around Arusha is huge!

    Some of the dogs are puppies, another large number (more then 25 dogs) only have two legs, are paralyzed or have other special needs. The shelter consists of a cat kennel, ten dog kennels and six quarantine kennels where injured dogs and/or newcomers receive care. In addition to the two German founders (Sandra and Jens), 23 other employees taking care of the dogs, including a vet team. Their plans for the future are to keep expanding by renting an additional site in order to continue providing care for even more dogs as well the ability to perform spaying and neutering in-house.

     

    Besides caring, educating, playing and walking the dogs, the creativity of the volunteers is not limited. You can become active in the area of fundraising. The organization also works together closely with the World Wide Veterinary Service and Mission Rabies and in irregular intervals vaccination and spaying and neutering campaigns are carried out, in which every helping hand is useful.
    Volunteers do not need any prior experience, nevertheless basic English knowledge, openness and love of animals are required. In addition, you should not be afraid of dogs and dirt because for sure, you will become dirty!

    Only for working with the vet team, a veterinary education is needed.

    IMPORTANT:

    The volunteers need to have a rabies vaccination.
    The project requires a donation of 100USD for up to four weeks and 25USD for every additional week to support different expenses of the dog shelter like food, veterinary bills, staff etc.



    Typical day

    Your work hours will be discussed individually. 

    You will start your day early by taking the public transport and a typically Tanzanian motorbike taxi to the project's site, with a stunning view of Mt. Meru. Please note that the shelter is located approximately 30km from the volunteer house on the ...

    Typical day

    Your work hours will be discussed individually. 

    You will start your day early by taking the public transport and a typically Tanzanian motorbike taxi to the project's site, with a stunning view of Mt. Meru. Please note that the shelter is located approximately 30km from the volunteer house on the outskirts of Arusha National Park. All together the travel will take about an hour and a half one way.  Due to the distance and transport costs (around 4 US$ a day) it is possible to combine this project with another one. Then, after you arrive, you discuss with your supervisor the daily tasks. 

    You will check on the dogs/cats, look after the sick ones, take the dogs on their morning walk and play with all animals. 
    Depending on the days plan, you might escort dogs/cats to the veterinary in town, help with adoptions or do fundraising.
    On some special days, usually weekends, a few times per year, the shelter conducts spay and neuter clinics as well as vaccination campaigns. During those days all helping hands are needed and you will be asked to support the work. 


    Free-time activities

    Explore a variety of activities at affordable volunteer rates, including:

    1. Scenic hiking/walking tours to waterfalls, through forests, and around a picturesque lake.

    2. Refreshing swims in natural hot springs, offering stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

    3. Engaging cultural tours to Maasai markets ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore a variety of activities at affordable volunteer rates, including:

    1. Scenic hiking/walking tours to waterfalls, through forests, and around a picturesque lake.

    2. Refreshing swims in natural hot springs, offering stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

    3. Engaging cultural tours to Maasai markets and opportunities to interact with diverse ethnic groups.

    4. Educational coffee plantation tours, delving into the bean-to-cup process.

    5. Thrilling safaris to the Northern Circuit's national parks (Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area).

    6. Incredible climbs of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

    7. FREE town tour for all our volunteers, providing insights into the local area.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, Picture of volunteer and Criminal background check

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    No prior experience required.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Viva Tanzania

    The fees include:
    • 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

    • €50 project donation*

    • accommodation in our hostel

    • breakfast and dinner seven days a week (lunch is included in some projects – see the project description for more information)

    • 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German

    *We donate a quarter of the registration fee to our Viva Tanzania Volunteer’s fund. This fund is used to help the projects we work with when they have extra expenses they cannot afford. For example, medical and veterinary costs, utility bills, salaries and paint, etc.


    The project requires a donation of 100USD for up to four weeks and 25USD for every additional week to support different expenses of the dog shelter like food, veterinary bills, staff etc.

    THIS DONATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PROGRAM FEE. 

    Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

    In your program fee the pick up and drop off from/to the airport/bus station are included. One of our friendly staff members, will be at the airport/bus stand with our "Viva Tanzania" sign, just in time when your plane or bus arrives. And after your volunteer experience, when it's time to say goodbye, will take you to the airport/bus stand for the farewell.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation:

    Our hostel, conveniently situated near Arusha's city centre, offers a vibrant community atmosphere where volunteers, interns, and travellers come together. A 25-minute walk takes you to the heart of the city, with motorcycle cabs and dala dalas (minibuses) readily available for quick transport. At our hostel, relaxation space awaits, including a pool, a rooftop terrace with a bar, a shop featuring products from our projects, and a small spa. Safety is prioritised with a wall over two meters high and diligent night watchmen.

    Rooms:

    Choose from our range of accommodation options, including 6 and 4-person dormitories, as well as double and single rooms. Each room has its own bathroom with a hot shower, closets for storage, and a personal safe secured with a lock. For added privacy, rooms are separated by gender. Single and double rooms are available at an additional charge of €50 per person per week.

    Food & Beverages

    Board

    Our cook prepares vegetables, fruit, pancakes and daily changing breakfast highlights. Tea, coffee, margarine, honey, peanut butter, jam are also available.

    For dinner there are different dishes from Tanzanian and Western cuisine. If you are vegetarian, vegan or have allergies/intolerances, it is no problem at all.

    If you would like to buy food, there is a refrigerator and shelves where you can store your groceries.



    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    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're free to start your project any day that suits you. Your first day includes an orientation and town tour, covering Arusha, transport, ATMs, markets, and getting a SIM card. The following day, our volunteer coordinator will guide you to your project site, ensuring your safety.

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 650€
    4 weeks 1,050€
    6 weeks 1,450€
    9 weeks 2,050€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 5,050€
    Average fees 267€/week

    Program fees

    267€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Viva Tanzania during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Viva Tanzania

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (36 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2015

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Tizia

    Spoken languages: Swahili, English, German

    About the project

    Viva Tanzania is a German-Tanzanian organization established in order to support meaningful and needy projects in Arusha, North Tanzania.

    Meet your organization

    Viva Tanzania was established in 2015 by Tizia Doriye due to her passion for intercultural encounters, tourism and nature. Tizia is a Cultural Anthropologist by profession. Together with our local team we want to make sure that you can make experiences abroad in a safe environment.

    We want to assist people from all over the world and Tanzanians to learn from one another through intercultural exchange. By helping foreigners to find meaningful projects that need support we do not only want to enable them to gain experience in working and being with people from different origins but also broaden the horizonts of everyone. Our mission is to establish an environment in which intercultural encounter can take place. Our participants will be enabled to gain first hand experience in a totally different sourrounding from what they are knowing. We want to show them the diversity of people, cultures and lifestyles. On the other hand we want to support needy projects in Arusha, our hometown.

    Our vision is to change the people's perception of Africa, Tanzania and its inhabitants through challenging and reducing stereotypes and racism. We believe that this can only be done through intercultural exchange like volunteering.

    Tizia is the of Viva Tanzania. She has a Bachelor in Cultural Anthropology and she wrote her Bachelor thesis about Maasai stereotypes in media and tourism. She loves her three kids and three dogs as well as the life in Tanzania. She is responsible for the website, the marketing and the communication before, while and after your stay. She already spent a year as a volunteer in Tanzania and did an internship in Arusha. She is also a yoga teacher and a massage therapist. So she definitely knows what’s important to make your time unforgettable. At the same time she is your contact person for all intercultural issues and problems.

    36 reviews · rating4.7

    Elena rating4.8

    2016 at Animal Shelter Supporter

    I stayed at Viva Tanzania's Hostel for four weeks. Tizia and her husband Tini welcomed me very heartfully and I directly felt home. I did my volunteer at Mbwa wa Africa which is an animal shelter at the outskirts of Arusha National Park. It was sad to see how people treat the street dogs but great ...
    Laly Tunde rating5

    2024 at Teach & Educate Children

    I was in the Arusha modern school for a volunteer trip. It’s was a very very good experience I recommend it ! I thank the Viva Tanzania organization and all the staff for their kindness towards the volunteers, I will come back soon ...
    Julica rating4.8

    2024 at Teach & Educate Children

    I worked for two Months in the Arusha Modern School as a volunteer. During this time you‘ll get the chance to getting to know the culture and to interact with amazing children and teachers! I had a lot of freedom in how I want to build up a lesson or what to practice with the ...
    Really a very good experience and an excellent way to discover Tanzania. With Bertrand we chose to do 4 weeks of volunteering in Tanzania to celebrate our recent retirement. This allowed us to meet many wonderful people. We were volunteers for the Elangata Agrovet project. Beyond the (limited) ...
    Paul Thomas rating4.6

    2024 at Children Empowerment through sports

    The volunteering at the Future Stars Academy was very good. In the Morning you do some Office Stufe and in the afternoon you Goong to Train the Kids. You have a Lot of responsobility. All the other Coaches are very nice and have a good Coaching experience. Also the Kids are very happy and the want ...
    Lovely time in Arusha thanks to Viva Tanzania! Thank you so much for the wonderful time! I spent three months from January until April this year in Arusha with Viva Tanzania, completing my teaching internship at the Arusha Modern School as part of my teacher training program in Germany. This is ...

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    Swahili, English, German

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