Animal Welfare Volunteering in Tanzania - Arusha

Mission

Provide care for domestic and farm animals.

Time Commitment

Select from 1 to 16 weeks.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 16 or older; families are welcome.

Program Costs

Starting at $460 for one week.

Commencement Dates

Programs begin on the 1st and 15th of each month.

Volunteer Work Hours

5-6 hours daily.

Lodging

Reside in a volunteer house or with a host family.

Inclusions

Discover more here.

Program Overview

This program is perfect for women passionate about animal welfare, whether or not they have prior experience in animal care or veterinary training. You’ll work closely with a local veterinarian, making a real difference in the lives of animals.

Project Details

Are you interested in caring for animals and ensuring their well-being in Tanzania? Join Perfect Vision Women’s Animal Welfare project, a fantastic opportunity to assist a local vet in treating farm and domestic animals. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in animal care by helping in a shelter and visiting farms and homes around Arusha, delivering veterinary care in a developing country.

What to Expect and How You'll Make an Impact

The Animal Welfare project offers a unique and exciting chance to help treat farm and domestic animals, gaining insight into veterinary care in a developing country. As a volunteer, you’ll work with a local veterinarian treating animals such as:

  • Donkeys
  • Chickens
  • Cows
  • Other livestock
  • Dogs and cats

Why Volunteer with Animal Welfare in Arusha?

By volunteering with Perfect Vision Women, you’ll contribute to the local community while developing personal and professional skills:

Volunteers requirements

This diverse project involves working in a basic clinic, a shelter, and traveling with the vet to farms and homes around Arusha. Learn about common diseases and ailments in Tanzanian animals, assist in small procedures and surgeries, and support tasks like vaccinations, treatment delivery, and neutering.

Each day brings new experiences, including dog walking, washing, feeding, and playing, aiming to get pets adopted. Volunteers are recommended to get a Rabies vaccination for hands-on work with some animals, though participation is possible without it, albeit with some limitations.

Location

The program is based in Arusha, a small city near the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite its attractions, many Tanzanian communities lack necessities. Volunteer projects help improve access to healthcare, education, and childcare in rural and urban areas around Arusha.

Arrival and Orientation

Orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) the day before orientation. Airport pick-up is included in your fee. Orientation covers essential information about Tanzania, including customs, language lessons, safety, travel opportunities, and project details.

Volunteer Schedule Example

First Day:

Escorted to the project and introduced to the staff.

Weekdays:

07:30 AM: Breakfast

08:00 AM: Travel to placements

1:00 PM: Work ends, free time for shopping or sightseeing

6:30 – 7:30 PM: Dinner

Weekends:

Explore Tanzania’s wildlife, markets, Mt. Meru, Maasai, and Meru tribes, or take a short flight to Zanzibar for beaches. Save time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers stay in dorm-style houses or homestays in Sakina, Arusha, with basic living conditions, running water, and electricity. Meals are provided, and a SIM card for local data is recommended. Additional accommodation can be arranged for $35 per night.

Meals

Enjoy three meals a day featuring Tanzanian cuisine influenced by Indian flavors. Meals include rice, ugali, chapatti, beans, and fresh fruit. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.

Pricing

DurationProgram Fee
1 week$460
2 weeks$610
3 weeks$815
4 weeks$1,030
5 weeks$1,245
6 weeks$1,460
8 weeks$1,890
10 weeks$2,320
12 weeks$2,750
16 weeks$3,610

Important things to note

A Registration Fee of $329 and a 5% international banking fee apply. Independent volunteers under 18 have an additional $80 per week for extra logistical support.

Join Perfect Vision Women’s Animal Welfare project to make a difference while experiencing the beauty and culture of Tanzania.
Perfect Vision Women works to increase access to education for women, particularly those who have been historically disadvantaged or marginalized. This includes providing support for women to pursue education, as well as offering educational resources and opportunities for women to learn new skills and knowledge.

Humanitarian aid is focused on giving back to the community through our project “Remember the Forgotten.” This project includes providing essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing to those in need through donations. We believe that every individual has the right to basic needs and we strive to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania focuses on providing education, resources, and support to empower women and communities to take control of their own health. Our primary focus is on reproductive health, specifically through the production and distribution of sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and education on reproductive health.

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania focuses on providing education, resources, and support to empower women and communities to take control of their own health. Our primary focus is on reproductive health, specifically through the production and distribution of sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and education on reproductive health.

Amani joined the Perfect Vision Women Tanzania team in 2022, bringing fresh energy, a sharp mind, and a deep commitment to our mission. Since then, he has become a vital part of our work—helping plan, implement, and monitor programs that directly impact the lives of women and girls in our community.

Whether it’s coordinating field activities, writing reports, or supporting administrative tasks behind the scenes, Amani’s dedication ensures that our projects run smoothly and effectively. His ability to stay organized while working with compassion has made him an anchor for our team.

More than just a colleague, Amani is someone who truly believes in our vision. His presence reminds us that empowering women is not just women’s work—it’s a shared responsibility. We’re proud to have him as part of our leadership and impact journey.

Naomi is the creative hands and patient heart behind our sewing program at Perfect Vision Women Tanzania. As our Sewing Instructor, she teaches girls and young women valuable tailoring skills—from basic stitches to advanced garment making—that not only build confidence but also open doors to economic independence.

With a calm and nurturing spirit, Naomi does more than just teach—she mentors. She understands that every thread she guides is not just shaping fabric, but shaping futures. Whether she’s helping a beginner thread a needle for the first time or supporting a girl to design her first dress, Naomi meets every student with kindness, patience, and encouragement.

Her dedication to empowering others through skill-building is at the core of our Crafting Her Future program. Naomi is not only a teacher—she’s a quiet force of transformation, giving girls the tools to dream bigger and stand taller.

Christine, fondly known as Tina, is the heart of our volunteer program. She ensures that every volunteer who joins Perfect Vision Women Tanzania feels welcomed, supported, and fully engaged in our mission. From coordinating daily activities to translating and bridging communication gaps, Tina plays a vital role in creating meaningful volunteer experiences.

But Tina’s journey with Perfect Vision began long before she became a coordinator. In 2020, she was one of the very first women empowered by Mama Happy—the founder of our organization. What started as a chance to rebuild her life grew into a deep calling to give back.

Inspired by Mama Happy’s vision and the impact it had on her personally, Tina returned—not just as a beneficiary, but as a leader. Today, she carries forward the spirit of empowerment she once received, helping others the same way she was once helped.

Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and full-circle purpose—and we’re proud to have her as part of our leadership team.

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania was born from my mother’s heart—Mama Happy, a woman whose passion for empowering vulnerable women and girls lit up every space she entered. In 2020, when she passed away, my world fell apart.

In the midst of grief, I was faced with a decision that would change my life forever. I chose to leave my job and step into the work my mother had started. Not because it was easy—but because I knew her mission was too important to stop. I couldn’t let her dream die with her.

Taking over Perfect Vision was not just a responsibility—it was a promise I made at her graveside: that I would continue what she began, no matter how hard it got. And every day since, I’ve poured my heart into this journey—fighting for every girl to stay in school, for every woman to find her strength, and for every forgotten voice to be heard.

This is more than work. It’s legacy. It’s love. It’s Mama Happy’s spirit—alive in everything we do.