Members of the Rwanda Animal Welfare Organisation (RAWO) holding a World Animal Day 2025 banner promoting humane dog population management and vaccination in Rwanda.

Rwanda’s First Public World Animal Day: Over 200 Dogs Vaccinated by RAWO

Posted: 14th October 2025

Just a few months after being announced as one of the 2025 World Animal Day grant winners, the Rwanda Animal Welfare Organisation (RAWO) has proudly hosted the country’s first-ever public World Animal Day celebration!

Held in Musanze District, the event focused on improving the welfare of dogs through Humane Dog Population Management and rabies prevention. Thanks to our World Animal Day grant, RAWO was able to vaccinate over 200 dogs, each receiving certificates confirming their protection and guidance for next year’s booster shots.

RAWO volunteers and veterinarians registering dog owners and vaccinating dogs under a tree during Rwanda’s first public World Animal Day celebration.

The celebration was joined by key national partners including the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Gorilla Doctors. They all came together to celebrate World Animal Day and honour this year’s theme: “Save Animals, Save the Planet.”

Dog owners from the Nyange Sector gathered to learn about responsible pet care, the importance of vaccination, and how healthy animals contribute to healthy communities.

RAWO veterinary staff administering rabies vaccines to dogs during the World Animal Day 2025 event in Rwanda.

RAWO’s Executive Director, Dr. Jean Claude Masengesho, explained why focusing on dogs was so important this year:

“Domestic animals and wildlife alike deserve proper care and protection. Vaccinating dogs not only safeguards them but protects human lives too.”

Dr. Jean Claude also extended his gratitude to Naturewatch Foundation and the World Animal Day Grant.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Naturewatch Foundation for their generous support, which made it possible for us to organise and celebrate this important day in Rwanda. Together, we believe that caring for animals is caring for our planet.”

A group of Rwandan schoolchildren stand together in a classroom holding a banner that reads “Humane Dog Population Management in Rwanda.”

The event received nationwide media coverage, helping raise awareness of both World Animal Day and RAWO’s mission.

RAWO plans to build on this success by continuing its dog vaccination campaigns and introducing animal welfare education in primary schools, inspiring the next generation to care for animals and the planet.

We are delighted to have supported such a meaningful initiative – one that is protecting dogs, strengthening communities, and helping build a kinder future for animals in Rwanda.