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Our story

We started with one dog and a bag of dressings.

Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue began in 2014 when our founder, a vet nurse in Arusha, couldn't walk past an injured street dog one more time without doing something. Twelve years later, that "something" is a full-time clinic, a rescue van, and a team who never stop.

Our Mission

Rescue, treat and rehome every animal we can reach.

We respond to street dogs and cats in distress across the Arusha region, provide veterinary care regardless of cost, and work to reduce suffering through sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

Our Vision

A Tanzania where no animal suffers on the street.

We imagine a future with healthy, vaccinated street populations, community education on animal welfare, and a loving home for every adoptable dog and cat.

How it started

From one rescue van to a full clinic

In our first year, we treated 42 animals out of the boot of a borrowed car. By 2018 we'd opened our first small clinic. Today, our mobile unit reaches remote villages, our clinic runs sterilisation days every week, and our foster network places dozens of animals into homes each year.

We're still led by the same belief we started with: every animal deserves care, whether or not anyone is watching.

Meet the team

The people who show up every day.

Neema Kessy

Founder & Lead Vet Nurse

Started the rescue in 2014 and still leads every difficult case personally.

David Mwakisu

Field Rescue Coordinator

Drives the rescue van and coordinates every emergency call-out across Arusha.

Grace Mollel

Adoptions & Foster Care

Matches every rescued animal with the right foster home and, eventually, family.

Want to be part of the story?

Whether it's a monthly gift, a weekend of volunteering, or opening your home to a foster — there's a place for you here.