Vida’s International Veterinary Training Center (IVTC) in Costa Rica offers veterinary students and recent graduates an exciting opportunity to enhance their surgical and clinical skills by providing high quality, ethical and low-cost spay and neuters to local animal shelters. The IVTC aims to control overpopulation and improve the quality of life for animals that, otherwise, may not receive adequate care.
Who can participate?
Veterinary technicians, pre-vet and veterinary students or recent graduates interested in helping animals and enhancing their skills in the field of veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply. Your unique hands-on experience will depend on your knowledge and level of education at the time of your participation; animal well-being is always our top priority. Read our participant agreement.
CPE or PSA Candidate?
Are you a foreign vet preparing for the preliminary surgical assessment (PSA) or clinical proficiency exam (CPE) or perhaps just wanting to get more training in minimally invasive spay/neuter techniques to improve your patient care? Fill out the form below and we will design a program right for you.
The Experience!
All participants will receive a one day orientation before starting clinic days. During busy clinic days, participants will actively partake and assist in all clinic activities under the strict supervision of our lead veterinarian.
- You will master skills in performing physical examinations and patient surgical preparation, including pre-medication, IV catheter placement and endotracheal intubation.
- Emphasis is placed on pain management, safe anesthetic protocols and case discussions, empowering you to understand medical decisions and protocols.
- Participants will monitor patients during gas anesthesia and assist with spay and neuter procedures and recovery.
- Participants will also have time to explore Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity and practice wildlife medicine (optional).
We want you to sit back and enjoy your experience. Your program fee will include one-on-one time with our experienced veterinarians and staff, all materials needed for surgical procedures, lodging, transportation to and from the airport and most meals.
*IVTC prices vary according to private or group session and the trip length from 7 to 13 days. Itinerary details will be defined with your IVTC advisor.
**If you decide to withdraw from our program, please make sure to review our cancellation policy.
Learn more about our IVTC program by contacting us today!