Over the years World Vets has operated many high volume sterilization campaigns in various locations throughout Guatemala. Our efforts remain focused on helping to control the small animal population and making quality veterinary care accesible to animals in need. As such, World 
Vets will send a team to provide a high volume sterilization campaign to benefit the outlying communities of Antigua. This is a pilot project – a location where World Vets has not previously worked.
What is included: Volunteer kit, World Vets scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, breakfast included with accommodations, airport transfers per established meeting times on official arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to clinic work and veterinary activities, lunches on clinic work days, a group activity, full participation in project and all supplies.
What is not included: Airfare, optional excursions, incidentals, travel and/or health insurance, World Vets membership fee, and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Guatemala (i.e a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from your initial date of departure, visa if applicable).
A few special notes:
- The gloves provided on World Vets projects are made with latex. Volunteers who have a latex allergy will need to provide their own gloves for this project.
- Pre veterinary students will not perform any surgical procedures, however they will be involved in all other clinical activities in the same capacity as veterinary students. Veterinary students can expect to assist with surgical procedures however they should not assume that this will be the main focus of their involvement during clinic.
- Caps and masks are required to be worn by all surgeons as well as those assisting within the sterile field of the surgical patient. World Vets provides disposable caps and masks on field service projects, however, volunteers have the option of using their own surgical cap.
- World Vets is able to accommodate vegetarians on this project. However, we will not able to accommodate any specialty diets such vegan and/or gluten free etc. Those who have strict dietary restrictions will need to bring their own supplements and/or snacks.
- World Vets is not able to provide medical advice. Volunteers are encouraged to consult with their family physician, nearest travel clinic and/or center for disease control regarding recommended immunizations and/or health precautions prior to the trip. Although not a requirement to participate on a World Vets project, it is recommended that volunteers be vaccinated for rabies.
- We understand that sometimes unexpected things can happen to stop a volunteer being able to participate in a project. For that reason, we highly recommend that you obtain some form of insurance for your trip. Affordable travelers insurance can be found here, which can also cover trip cancellation in some circumstances and covered reasons. You must read the policy wording to ensure the policy is a fit for your needs. World Vets project fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (to another person or to another project). We encourage volunteers to make sure the dates of our projects do not conflict with any prior engagements before signing up.
- Please read and make sure you understand World Vets Terms & Condition
Itinerary
Day 1 (March 3): Official Arrival Day
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport located in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Airport Code: GUA. It is requested that volunteers schedule their flights so that they arrive no later than 10 pm. There may be two airport transfers provided (i.e. for late morning/early afternoon arrivals and late afternoon/evening arrivals). At least one airport transfer will be scheduled according to the arrival time of the field service veterinarian.
Once the flight for the field service veterinarian is booked, it will be shared with you via email. Once you have booked your flight, please send your flight information (i.e. arrival/departure time, airline carrier, flight numbers) to info@worldvets.org no later than February 3rd, 2018.
Day 2 (March 4): Group Activity | Leisure
After breakfast, the team will take part in a group activity – more information to follow.
Day 3 (March 5): Leisure | Clinic Set up
Today is set aside for free time. Volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements today for activities and sightseeing.
In the afternoon, the field service veterinarian and a few team members will go with local partners to the clinic site to get orientated and set up for veterinary services. Tonight the team will meet up to go over details and plans for the following clinic days.
Day 4, 5 & 6 (March 6, 7 & 8): Clinic Work days
Hopefully you are well rested because for the next three days you will be operating a field condition sterilization campaign. The team will be picked up by 8:00 AM to be taken to the clinic location. Bring your scrub top, headlamp, water bottle and comfortable shoes and be ready to pitch in and help wherever needed to make the project a success. (Lunch provided at clinic site)
Day 7 (March 9): Free Time | Leisure
Today is free for volunteers. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
Day 8 (March 10): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. Two return airport transfers may be scheduled based on the departure times of the field service veterinarian and the majority.
For volunteers who wish to extend their stay, this is something that is not included in the project fee. Also, please know that if you stay past the official end date of the project, you will then be responsible for your return transportation to the airport.
Accommodations
World Vets team will stay at a colonial style hotel located in the heart of Antigua and within walking distance to local shops, restaurants and sights. The property features WiFi, a terrace with beautiful views and garden/patio area. Laundry service is available at an additional cost. Accommodations will be shared.
General Packing List
*NOTE: This is a general packing list.
Please research your project's forecast information for weather permitting items.
- Shoes (anything comfortable w/ covered toes for clinic days)
- World Vets scrub top (required during clinic days)
- Scrub pants (optional)
- Pants
- T-shirts (weather permitting)
- Shorts (weather permitting - shorts are ok for surgery)
- Bandana/hat
- Swimsuit (weather permitting)
- Sweatshirt (weather permitting)
- Light jacket (weather permitting)
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (highly recommended)
- Headlamp (highly recommended)
- Camera
- Tote bag
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Prescription medications
- Over the counter meds (Tylenol, Imodium, cold meds etc)
- Personal bottle of hand sanitizer (highly recommended)
- Soap
- Sunscreen (highly recommended)
- Bug spray (DEET) (highly recommended)
- Brush
- Band-Aids
- Glasses/contact lenses
Extras:
- Beach Towel (if applicable)
- Ear Plugs
- Flip Flops/Shower shoes/Water shoes