ARRC (Animal Relief for Rural Communities) is a South African Not For Profit Venture and Volunteering experience where we work to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and people in rural South Africa.
Our mission is to provide veterinary care, food and shelter to animals in need, while also supporting and educating the communities they call home.
ARRC (Animal Relief for Rural Communities) is a South African Not For Profit Venture and Volunteering experience where we work to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and people in rural South Africa.
Our mission is to provide veterinary care, food and shelter to animals in need, while also supporting and educating the communities they call home.
Bringing veterinary care and community support to rural South Africa. ARRC is a registered non-profit working in underserved areas where the nearest vet is over 55km away - protecting the health of animals, people, and the wildlife around them.
Our vision is to improve the lives of animals and humans in local communities and the surrounding nature reserves. We want to strengthen the human animal bond through education, community outreach and essential medical care.
Supporting underprivileged children on their educational journey. The fund provides school uniforms, shoes, stationery, and access to extra tutoring — easing the financial burden on families so every child can stay in school and reach their potential.
Each week we travel into the community of Selwane to treat the area's many working donkeys, fitting them with properly made harnesses and bridles. We make these ourselves and teach locals to make them too — dramatically improving the comfort, health, and working life of donkeys across the community.
Our dog project runs on several fronts. We hold a monthly outreach program providing vaccinations, deworming, and tick and flea treatment, alongside a weekly emergency clinic for animals in need. We also carry out regular home checks with our veterinarian, following up on treatment and monitoring previously seen cases — improving animal health and reducing disease across the community.
Two of ARRC's founders are veterinarians, allowing us to provide free veterinary care and emergency clinics to animals in need. We regularly treat dogs, donkeys, goats, and whatever else comes our way — managing a wide range of diseases, wounds, and illnesses.
Founded in 2021, ARRC is a South African registered non-profit and PBO delivering vital veterinary and community support to rural areas where the nearest veterinary services are over 55km away. Working in communities bordering a nature reserve, we focus on dog and donkey welfare through vaccinations, sterilisation, emergency treatment, improved husbandry, and community education. Rabies prevention is a core priority — protecting both local communities and surrounding wildlife. ARRC also supports underprivileged children through educational assistance, including school supplies, uniforms, tutoring, and other essential learning resources
Dr Prados is originally from Madrid Spain. He graduated as a veterinarian from Alonso X El Sabio, Madrid, in 2013. Since then he has lived and worked all over the world, including in South America working with indigenous wildlife. Fernando continues to work with wildlife, but also in the communities. He has been living in South Africa now for 5 years and thoroughly enjoys it. He takes every chance he can to go into the African bush or explore new places.
Joanne Marden is originally from England. Jo trained as a zookeeper specialising in primates from 2004 and since then has worked with domestic animals and wildlife. Her first visit to South Africa was in 2003 and she has spent over a decade volunteering her time and experience to domestic and wild animals. Her passion is advocacy for animal welfare and husbandry.
Dr Anagnostou hails from Queensland Australia. She graduated from The University of Queensland Australia in 2012. Since then she has lived in different areas around the world working as a veterinarian with various animals. Lani has been in South Africa for 7 years now and shares her life with 2 dogs, 2 cats and her husband, Fernando.
ARRC works alongside a network of partners who support our mission of veterinary care and community welfare across rural South Africa.
ARRC is funded entirely by the generosity of donors. Every contribution directly supports veterinary care, sterilisation and vaccination programs, emergency treatment, and education for children in the communities we serve.
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We are located in a Private Nature Reserve located just outside of Phalaborwa, Limpopo South Africa.
Donations are what keep ARRC going. Every contribution directly funds veterinary care, sterilisation and vaccination programs, emergency treatment, and education support for children in the rural communities we serve.
The simplest way to help is to make a donation through our GlobalGiving page. If you're a veterinary student or qualified vet, you can also get involved through our Veterinary Internship Program in partnership with Olifants Veterinary Services.
Yes, we are a registered Not For Profit Company in South Africa and are as transparent as possible with our funding and expenses. You can ask to see our Annual Report to learn more about our spending and commitment to transparency
