About Us
We’re on a mission to change the lives of animals in Zanzibar. Every day, hundreds of stray dogs and cats suffer from untreated wounds, starvation, and neglect — simply because there’s no infrastructure in place to help them. We work closely with local partners to provide direct aid, medical care, and long-term solutions that offer animals hope, healing, and a future.
Zanzibar Needs Our Help: United for the Stray Dogs and Cats
Every day, countless stray cats and dogs struggle to survive on the streets of Zanzibar. Many are sick, injured, or starving – and their numbers keep growing. The figures are alarming:
- An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 stray dogs live on the island.
- The number of stray cats is believed to be between 500,000 and 1,000,000.
- In busy traffic areas, there are 1 to 5 animal-related accidents every day.
- Overall, 20 to 40 animals die daily from road accidents, illness, or abuse.
And the most urgent problem: There are hardly any shelters or veterinary services available for these animals. The few existing facilities are overwhelmed and cannot meet the overwhelming need. Most animals are completely left on their own – unprotected and without help.
That’s why we’re supporting Zanzibar Animal Care (Zacare) – the organization founded and led by Dr. Makame – in building a shelter with an integrated veterinary clinic in Nungwi. Here, injured, sick, and abandoned animals will receive medical care, vaccinations, sterilization, and a safe place to recover. The goal is a sustainable and lasting improvement for animal welfare in Zanzibar.
But the project is more than just a shelter: it will be a place for education, awareness, and connection. Locals and travelers alike can come together, learn, help, and become part of a new movement for animal protection on Zanzibar – rooted in compassion, responsibility, and hope.
Help us make this vision a reality. Every donation counts. Every act saves lives.
Zanzibar Animal Care (Zacare)
Zacare is a grassroots organization committed to providing medical aid and protection to animals in desperate need. Despite facing daily challenges — including limited funding, few supplies, and harsh working conditions — the Zacare team works tirelessly to make a difference.
They treat infections, clean wounds, rescue strays, and advocate for better animal welfare across the island. Their dream: to establish a fully equipped clinic and shelter that gives every animal a fighting chance.
Your support helps them continue this vital work — and gives Zanzibar’s animals the care they desperately need.
Our Mission from the Heart: Helping Zanzibar’s Animals
Hi, I’m Sina – and in September 2024, I originally traveled to Zanzibar just for a vacation. But sometimes, a single encounter can change everything. At the hotel, I found a seriously injured cat. I couldn’t just walk away – so I looked for help, and that’s how I met Dr. Makame, a veterinarian with a heart full of compassion.
What started as a spontaneous cry for help quickly turned into a heartfelt mission. During our conversation, Dr. Makame told me about the organization he founded: The Zanzibar Animal Care (Zacare). He is the founder, the organizer, and the driving force behind it all. He treats sick and injured animals every day, manages the entire operation, and is planning the construction of a desperately needed animal shelter for Zanzibar’s stray cats and dogs – a safe place where they can be healed, cared for, and loved.
Back in Germany, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the animals in Zanzibar who have no protection. At home, I live with several cats who receive regular veterinary care and insurance – the contrast to what I saw in Zanzibar was heartbreaking.
Since then, I’ve been fully committed to supporting Dr. Makame and his mission. Together, we’re working toward one goal: bringing hope and help to the animals of Zanzibar.
Your donation helps us do even more. Thank you to everyone who joins us on this journey.
What We’ve Achieved So Far:
Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve been able to:
- Purchase a piece of land
- Start construction on a veterinary clinic
- Create a separate cat shelter that offers safety and care
Your donations have made all of this possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
But to truly make a difference, we still need:
- A dedicated dog shelter
- Living quarters for veterinarians to ensure 24/7 care
- A water well to provide reliable access to clean water
- Sanitary facilities for proper hygiene
- A protective fence to secure the property and the animals
- Complete interior furnishings for all buildings
What’s Next?
Our top priority now is to complete the clinic and the cat shelter so we can begin providing medical care on site.
Time is running out – too many animals are still in urgent need of help.
