Have a Heart Namibia

Have a Heart Namibia is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, cats and the families who care for them through accessible veterinary services, education and prevention-focused animal welfare programmes.

Founded in 2013, Have a Heart works throughout Namibia in partnership with licensed veterinarians, mobile veterinary clinics, community volunteers, local authorities and fellow animal welfare organisations. Our primary focus is providing free sterilisation services to low- and no-income pet owners, helping to prevent unwanted litters, reduce animal suffering and improve the wellbeing of both animals and communities.

In addition to sterilisation, animals assisted through our programmes receive rabies vaccinations, parasite treatment and basic veterinary care. We also operate TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programmes for community cats and support education initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare awareness.

Have a Heart currently collaborates with approximately 30 veterinarians and veterinary facilities across Namibia and conducts outreach activities in urban, rural and remote communities, including informal settlements and villages with limited access to veterinary services.

Since its founding, Have a Heart has assisted more than 28,000 dogs and cats and their caretakers across Namibia, making it one of the country's most established preventative animal welfare initiatives.

At the heart of our approach is a simple belief: when responsible pet owners are given access to veterinary services and support, they can provide healthier, happier and more secure lives for their animals. By empowering responsible owners to care, we create lasting change for animals, families and communities.

Our work contributes to improved animal welfare, rabies prevention, public health, community wellbeing and sustainable population management through a practical One Health approach that recognises the connection between animal health, human wellbeing and healthy communities.

Areas of work include animal welfare, veterinary outreach, rabies prevention, TNVR/community cat management, responsible pet ownership, community education and One Health initiatives.

Geographic coverage: National – Namibia.