Animal Shelter Supporter

Tizia
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Coordinator | Tizia
Coordinator | Tizia
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Take care of neglected dogs and cats in Arusha
Walk the dogs through the beautiful Tanzanian landscape and become the pack leader
Get hands-on veterinary experience when local organizations partner up to arrange neuter and vaccination campaigns
Help with outreach and teach "Animal Welfare" in the various schools in the area (depending on the season)
Explore Tanzania by day trips, safaris or mountain climbs
This shelter for cats and dogs was established in order to meet the great need of more adequate animal care & education of the population. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

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 (over 10 dogs) only have two legs, are paralyzed or have other special needs. The shelter consists of a cat kennel, four dog kennels and two quarantine kennels where injured dogs and/or newcomers receive care. In addition to the two German founders (Sandra and Jens), an animal keeper from Austria and three Tanzanian employees take care of the animals. 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 marketing and fundraising. Sometimes  there is an education program running in which interested participants can teach “animal welfare” in various schools in the area of the shelter. The organisation 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!

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 motobike 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 €3 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, do fundraising and marketing. 
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

We offer a wide range of activities at affordable volunteer rates, such as:
1. Hiking/Walking tours to waterfalls, through forests and around a lake. 

2. Swimming in paradise-like hot springs with a glimpse of the Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

3. Cultural tours to Maasai markets and the possibility to visit different ethnic groups.

4. Coffee plantation tour to learn about the process from the bean to the finished product, including delicious tasting sessions!

5. Safaris to the National Parks of the Northern Circuit (Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area). 

6. Climbing Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. 

7. FREE town tour for all our volunteers!

Swimming
Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Criminal Background Check
required
Required Documents
CV, Picture of the volunteer and criminal backgroun check
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

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 Euro 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"-Pick-up-sign, just in time when you plane or bus arrives. And after your volunteer experience - when it's time to say good bye - we will take you to the airport/bus stand for the farewell.
Accommodation

Accomondation

Our hostel where volunteers, interns and travelers stay together is located in Arusha close to the city center. It takes 25 minutes to walk to the city center. To get to the city quickly, there are motorcycle cabs and dala dalas (minibuses) everywhere.
In our hostel we have enough space to relax, a pool, a roof terrace with bar, a shop with products from our projects and a small spa.
A wall more than two meters high and our night watchmen ensure a safe stay.

Rooms

In our hostel we have 6 and 4 person dormitories as well as double and single rooms. Each room has its own bathroom with hot shower. There are closets in the room, in addition, each guest has a safe that can be secured with a lock. The rooms are separated by gender. Single and double rooms are available for a surcharge of 50 Euro per person per week.



Bedroom (Double) Bedroom (Single) Dorm Room
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?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

You can start working at this project any day of the week that suits you.
On your first day we will do a town tour showing you Arusha, how to use the buses, where to find ATMs, exchange money and much more. 
The next day one of our staff members will take you to your project showing you the way and making sure you are always safe.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
2 - 24 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$735
4 weeks
$1,187
6 weeks
$1,639
9 weeks
$2,317
24 weeks (max. stay)
$5,707
Average fees
$303 /week

The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation. Viva Tanzania will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
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.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Viva Tanzania cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Viva Tanzania.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Animal Shelter Supporter

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

$268/week

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