Annual Impact

CARE Victoria Falls: 2025 Annual Impact – Community, Animals, and Hope Transforming Lives Through Veterinary Care

The Victoria Falls Community Animal Health & Welfare Centre (CARE) continues to be a lifeline for animals and people in rural Zimbabwe. Since 2016, CARE has operated its clinic in Ntabayengwe village, providing low- or no-cost veterinary care—often the only help available for the community’s domestic animals and livestock. In 2025 alone, the clinic treated 1,119 animals, including dogs, goats, cattle, donkeys, cats, and pigs, addressing injuries, malnutrition, and life-threatening diseases.

Disease Prevention & Outreach.

CARE’s vaccination campaigns are at the heart of its mission. This year, 2,890 dogs and 60 cats were vaccinated against rabies, and 2,289 dogs received distemper shots. These efforts have kept rabies at bay in the region, protecting both animals and people. Deworming and dog dipping—2,654 dogs treated—improved animal health and reduced risks to children and families.

Sterilisation & Population Control

Uncontrolled breeding leads to suffering and neglect. In 2025, CARE sterilised 280 dogs and 57 cats, both at the clinic and through outreach campaigns, helping to reduce unwanted animals and disease spread. The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme for urban cats is making a difference, though more resources are needed.

Coexistence With Wildlife

Living on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage |Site means frequent encounters with wildlife. CARE treated 26 animals for injuries caused by lions, hyenas, and baboons, and provided veterinary care for injured wildlife. The team’s work helps prevent retaliatory killings and supports peaceful coexistence.

Donkey Welfare & Community Education

Donkeys are essential to rural life but often suffer from neglect and overwork. CARE’s clinics provided deworming, harness exchanges, and castrations to improve welfare. Education is central—owners learn about humane treatment, and children are taught animal welfare principles. University students from around the world visited CARE to learn about rural veterinary practice.

Challenges & The Road Ahead

CARE’s work is only possible thanks to donors and supporters. The team faces ongoing needs: veterinary equipment, a reliable water supply, a licensed welfare inspector, and better facilities for cats. Despite limited resources, CARE expanded outreach to 31 rural centres, helping more animals and people than ever before.

Thank You

The CARE team, led by Dr Isaac Moyo and supported by dedicated staff and board members, extends heartfelt thanks to all who make this work possible. Together, we’re building a healthier, more compassionate community for animals and people in Victoria Falls.