Animal Welfare and Animals' Shelter

The Animal Welfare program is located in Northern Tanzania. It surveyed the ten villages in the district to enhance the current animal welfare status in the area. The aim of this survey was to provide an empirical foundation and to make strategic decisions involving the allocation of project resources and the design of the project components. 

The program was established in order to address the five freedoms of the animals, of which most farmers in the area are not aware: Freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury and disease; fear, distress; and to express normal behavior.

As a step contributing to the acquirement of equipment, appliances, outreach visits, and taking care of these animals, in these placements we charge an extra 100 USD non-dependent on the duration of your program. This is directly transferred to the centers to develop their facilities and service provision for animals.

What to expect

Even if you are qualified and experienced, be open to new ways of doing things. Given the sensitivity of the project, it is with certainty that things will be done differently than what you are used to; adapt and be proactive. Instead of accusing something as being wrong, demonstrate a better way. Inadequate resources, less staff, and more animals are possible challenges because many of them are from streets. If you lack the knowledge, do no insist on doing things your way, as it is important to not put animals at risk.

What not to expect

“Easy does it” won’t apply to this project. Trust is to be earned; the doctors and ground team need to be assured that you are qualified and experienced enough to be involved in their work day, let alone see animals. There are hectic days. You will not be alone.

Duties and task 

Things you may be doing within the day can be, carrying out vaccinations, treating wounds, autopsies, check ups, or training. You also have the amazing experience of working out in the Maasai tribes treating their animals and training them on how to care for their animals.

Tanzania is very different from where we come from. The members of the community here in Tanzania do not have animals as pets, all animals are for a reason such as food, business or guarding. By helping these animals you are in turn supporting a business and family.

Challenges 

• CULTURE SHOCK - The way they will do things will be very different from home - be patient and observe with curiosity.  - You may see things you might not particularly agree with, remember this is a third world country and they will do things differently due to the lack of resources and education.
• Lack of resources - Need for medical supplies and vaccinations. 
• They may not have the same aspect of care as we do for animals.

In general, volunteers have the freedom to choose how they spend the day. However, a daily routine is recommended and may be coordinated with the project coordinators based on your program. A general day may look like this:

• Breakfast between 6:30 and 7:30am
• Commuting to placement via public transport 

Everyday will be different! - Some may be quieter than others. The doctor works in mainly farms and houses for domestic animals. A Typical day can be traveling around several homes carrying out check ups, vaccinations and training.  The doctor will pick you up at the volunteer house around 9:30am and the day will usually end around 12pm (this can vary depending on how busy the day is and when you would like to stay until)

• Lunch between 12:30am and 3:00pm either at the placement or at the accommodation. 
• Free time for the rest of the day and preparation for the placement the day after (if necessary)
• Dinner between 6:30pm and 7:30pm
• Visiting a house of babies after you come back from your placement or during the weekend.