Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue:
Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue is a non-kill animal shelter and was founded in 2013 by the German
couple Sandra and Jens. Sandra is mostly responsible for managing the shelter, intakes and adoptions,
and Jens takes care of the clinic, campaigns and all the administrative and back office work. The
project takes care of abandoned or injured street dogs and cats. Since 2015 MWA also runs rabies
vaccination campaigns, spay/neuter clinics, and an education program in local schools. In 2020 we
were given a new property by our partner charity four steps to freedom, who have since also
sponsored all buildings placed at our rescue centre as well as crucial equipment. At the new property,
we opened our own clinic to take care of injured animals and started a training program for local vet
students who want to become veterinary professionals. In September 2022 also the shelter moved to
this property, so the whole rescue center (including the volunteer house) is now located in one place.
By now the Shelter holds about 120 dogs and 30 cats, about 30 of these animals are disabled or special
needs animals.
Also, these days we employ about 25 people, working in our shelter and the clinic in order to ensure
that all our animals get the best treatment possible.
About the volunteer program:
As a shelter volunteer, you will be actively involved in the daily care and wellbeing of the animals. Tasks include walking dogs, cleaning kennels, feeding, supporting animals in quarantine, assisting with enrichment activities, and giving the animals the attention, socialisation, and care they need. Volunteers also support the team in maintaining the general cleanliness and organisation of the shelter.
Working and living environment:
The project is located in a rural area near Arusha, in the north of Tanzania, surrounded by nature with views of Mount Meru. Volunteers live on-site at The Gongo Centre in shared volunteer housing. Daily life takes place mostly outdoors within the shelter environment, which can be physically demanding and sometimes emotionally challenging.
Team and collaboration:
Volunteers work closely with the Tanzanian shelter team, one of the founders Sandra, Volunteer coordinators Jaqueline & Vivian, as well as other international volunteers. The local team has extensive experience and plays a key role in guiding volunteers through daily routines and tasks.
Expectations and requirements:
We expect volunteers to be motivated, flexible, and willing to actively participate in hands-on work. Working in an animal shelter in Tanzania can be physically demanding and requires resilience, as well as a genuine passion for animal welfare. A willingness to learn and support the team is most important.
Volunteers can expect to be part of a dedicated and supportive team, gain insight into animal welfare work in a developing country, and make a direct impact on the lives of rescued animals.
You should bring clothes that can get dirty and in the rainy season, you should bring boots and a rain coat.
