Veterinary Program - Vida Volunteer

Vida’s Veterinary Program will allow students to assist in controlling animal overpopulation in underserved communities by offering high-quality spay/neuter clinics & animal welfare education. Students will further gain clinical and surgical skills through a hands-on, educational, and culturally immersive experience.

Our volunteer abroad program is specially designed for students from all levels who are looking to gain an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in the field of veterinary medicine. Past students have ranged from pre-vet students with limited surgical exposure to upper-level veterinary students.

Why you should join?

Vida operates field clinics in accordance with the International Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Field Services Guidelines. We emphasize patient and volunteer safety, high-quality pain management protocols, appropriate post-operative care, and ethical participation of international volunteers in surgical procedures.

You will be working with a skilled team of local veterinarians and technicians to provide quality veterinary care and educational services. These are only a few of the takeaways:

Understanding the fundamentals and standards of small animal field surgery clinics
Understand the importance of animal health and overpopulation control
In-depth clinical and surgical experience
Provide need-based assistance in communities
Define career goals
Work in a supervised ethical environment that follows international guidelines

Components for a successful trip

Field Clinics

Our mobile clinics are held in community centers, churches, schools, private farms, local ranches, or animal rescue centers in coordination with local community members and organizations. Regardless of the location, we set the highest level of professionalism for our volunteers and staff.

Homestays

A home away from home!

Homestays* promise a whole-hearted and culturally immersive experience. You’ll get a chance to learn about local family values and enjoy delicious, authentic, home-cooked meals while forming life-long bonds with our world-famous host families.

*Homestays depend on itinerary and group size

As a Veterinary program participant:

You will be working with a skilled team of local veterinarians and technicians and actively participating in high-quality spay/neuter clinics. . Some of your tasks will include:

Physical examinations
Intravenous catheter placements
ET tube placements
Pre-surgery preparation of patients
Sutures
Assist veterinarians with anesthetic procedures
Post-surgery: provide recovery attention to patients

Clinic set up

1

1. Waiting Area

This is where patients await to be seen. We gather all relevant information from their owners and add their names to the list of patients we will see each day.

2

2. Intake

Students will assist with patient physical exams. Performing thorough physical examinations is important to evaluate the patient’s condition prior to surgery. If the patient is suitable for surgery, students will assist the veterinarians in prepping their patient for surgery.

3

3. Surgery

Students will assist the Veterinarian during spay/neuters and monitor vital signs while learning about minimally invasive techniques and different diseases.

4

4. Recovery

After surgery the students will help recover their patient by monitoring vital signs until they are fully recovered and can be sent home. Application of external parasite control, nail trimmings and ear cleanings will also be done. They will also prepare the medication that goes home with a surgical patient.

5

5. Cleaning Area

Students will wash and sterilize instruments following strict protocols.

What's included?

Airport pick-up and drop-off.
All ground transportation between sites.
Accommodations
2 meals during clinic days and 1 meal during recreation days
In-country orientation.
Program Manual.
24-hour staff assistance.
All medicine, equipment, supplies, and professionals needed to successfully perform on clinic days.
Evening group activities.
All recreation activities listed in trip itinerary.
Border and customs fees (when applicable)
Statement of Service Hours
Certificate of Participation. (Letters of recommendation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis).

Questions?

Visit our Help Center to learn more about our program, safety and logistics.

Feel free to contact us! Fill out this form and one of our Student Engagement Representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.

Inquiries? Fill out this form so we can answer them properly!

Why you should join?

Components for a successful trip

Field Clinics

Homestays

As a Veterinary program participant:

Clinic set up

1

1. Waiting Area

2

2. Intake

3

3. Surgery

4

4. Recovery

5

5. Cleaning Area

What's included?

Sample Itineraries

9 Days

11 Days

13 Days

Questions?

Check Upcoming Trips

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Costa Rica

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Costa Rica

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Costa Rica

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Costa Rica