Kathmandu, Nepal

Apr 20-27, 2019
  • Trip Type:
  • Dogs

This is a small animal veterinary field project. As part of this project, World Vets team will provide direct veterinary services and care to animals in need on a large scale. To aid in the delivery of such assistance, we have volunteer opportunities that not only facilitate quality veterinary care but also enable individuals to be a part of the work that we do around the world.

For this field project, volunteer opportunities are open to vets, techs (both licensed and non-licensed), students and for general assistants (individuals with no previous vet experience). Read more about volunteer positions below.


How much will it cost?

The project fee associated with this veterinary field service project is $1275 USD. The full amount will be due at the time of registration. Before you register, please ensure you do not have any scheduling conflicts that may impact your participation as project fees are non-refundable and/or non-transferrable to other trips and/or persons.

What’s Included:

World Vets logo scrub top*, volunteer kit, pre – trip planning and coordination per the project itinerary, accommodations for 7 nights, breakfast provided at accommodations, lunch on clinic work days, airport transfers per established meeting times on official arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to veterinary work, a group activity as well as all supplies and full participation on the project.

*Purchase additional World Vets logo gear for your trip, including extra scrub tops, here 

What’s NOT included:

International airfare, optional excursions, travellers insurance, health insurance, World Vets membership fee, lunch on non-work days, dinner and snacks, required travel documentation to enter/exit Nepal (i.e. a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from your initial date of travel, Visa*), incidentals and anything not specifically outlined as included.

*There is a Visa requirement for traveling to Nepal. See below under “A few special notes” for more information


What will I be doing?

This is a small animal veterinary field project. For this particular project, World Vets veterinary team will execute a high volume spay neuter campaign targeting street dogs. We may also see health consultations, perform other types of surgeries and/or treat injuries on a case by case basis.

Veterinarians

As a veterinarian, you primarily will be performing sterilization surgeries for dogs. You may also be involved in the following:

  • Medical diagnosis and treatment and/or in providing health consultations
  • Performing other surgeries that may be deemed necessary on a case by case basis (based on your comfort level and/or ability)
  • Providing instruction to students, local volunteers and/or local veterinarians

As a veterinarian in a “non-surgical” role, you will be involved in a variety of tasks such as surgical anesthesia, patient prep and induction as well as overseeing post-op/recovery.

The veterinarian volunteer category may be filled by a licensed DVM who is both competent and comfortable in performing routine spay/neuter surgery. PLEASE NOTE: We will require additional documentation for veterinarians volunteering on this project. See below under “A Few Special Notes” for more information

Veterinary Technicians (Licensed and Non-Licensed) | Veterinary Nurses

As a veterinary technician/nurse, you will lead and/or be involved in running the pre-med/induction station to induce anesthesia and prepare patients for surgery.  This includes:

  • Administering, monitoring and managing the pre-medication given to surgical patients
  • Administering, monitoring and managing the anesthesia given to surgical patients
  • Assisting with surgical prep and patient monitoring

The “Tech” (LVT/RVT) volunteer category may only be filled by a veterinary technician that is either certified, licensed and/or registered. For veterinary technicians who are not licensed, they should register under the “Tech/Student” category.

Students

As a veterinary student, pre-veterinary student and/or veterinary technician student, you may be involved in any of the following activities:

  • Pre med/Induction: Assisting with prepping patients for surgery  (i.e. animal handling/restraint, expressing bladders, assisting with catheter placement, shaving and sterilizing surgical field, positioning patient for the surgeon).
  • Surgery:  Assisting a veterinarian in surgery, cleaning up surgical area for the next patient and/or observing surgery. Note: Only veterinary students are allowed to participate in performing surgical procedures and only under the direct guidance and instruction of a veterinarian. 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.
  • Recovery:  Monitoring patients after surgery, administering appropriate post-op medications per protocol chart and grooming.

The student volunteer category may be filled by veterinary students, pre–veterinary students, and veterinary technology students. When registering select the “Tech/Student” category and further classify your position on the registration form to reflect the student type that you are filling. 

Assistants

The assistant volunteer category is open to anyone who loves animals and wants to help. Our assistant position requires no prior experience, just a willingness to learn! Assistants often help in the post operation recovery area and in a variety of miscellaneous duties (based on your skills, experience and comfort level).


A few special notes:

  • Due to the prevalence of rabies in Nepal and the high risk potential for volunteers to be bit by dogs (resulting from the nature of our work) we will require that all volunteers participating on this project be vaccinated against rabies.
  • *There is a visa requirement to enter Nepal. A tourist visa can be obtained prior to travel or upon arrival at the airport. Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that they have all the required documentation to enter/exit NepalLearn more
  • Veterinarians filling the “Vet” position on the team roster will need to provide World Vets with a copy of their current veterinary license as well as passport photo page. This is required to obtain veterinary permissions for the team. These documents should be scanned/emailed to trips@worldvets.org or faxed to 1 877 688 8387 following registration, and/or no later than February 13, 2019.
  • 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.
  • 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 as vegan, kosher and/or gluten free etc. Those who have strict dietary restrictions will need to bring their own supplements and/or snacks for the program.
  • 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. Nevertheless, for this particular project, World Vets is requiring its 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 travellers 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 & Conditions

Itinerary

Day 1 (April 20): Official Arrival Day

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Airport Code: KTM. Multiple airport transfers will be provided, however we request that volunteers plan to arrive no later than 9:30 pm. Upon arrival, the team will check into their accommodations and have the rest of the day/evening to relax and/or explore.

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 March 13th, 2019.

Day 2 (April 21): AM Group Activity | PM Clinic Set Up

Following breakfast the team will take part in a group activity – more information to follow.

In the afternoon, the field service veterinarian, along with some volunteers and local partners, will go to the field clinic site to set up. In the evening, the team will meet to go over details and plans for the following work days.

Day 3 & 4 (April 22 & 23): Veterinary Work days

The team will be picked up by 8:00 AM to be taken to the field clinic work site. Expected veterinary services include spay/neuter and other surgical procedures deemed necessary on a case by case basis, health consultations as well as preventative health treatments. (Lunch provided at the clinic site)

Day 5 (April 24): Free | Leisure

Today is free for volunteers to explore the area, do some sightseeing and/or take part in a nearby excursion. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.

Day 6 & 7 (April 25 & 26): Veterinary Work days

The team will be picked up by 8:00 AM to be taken to the field clinic work site. Expected veterinary services include spay/neuter and other surgical procedures deemed necessary on a case by case basis, health consultations as well as preventative health treatments. (Lunch provided at the clinic site)

Day 8 (April 27): Official Departure Day

Today is the official end date of the project and signifies departure. There will be up to two return airport transfers provided (i.e. one for early morning departures and another for late morning/mid afternoon departures).

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 hotel located within the Thamel district of Kathmandu. The property features beautiful gardens, an on-site restaurant, cafe and bar, free WiFi as well as a spa and wellness center*. Rooms are equipped with heating, A/C, and security safes. Accommodations will be shared. Breakfast provided at/included with stay.

*Services provided at the spa and wellness center are not included with accommodations. Should volunteers wish to indulge in the spa services offered, this would be at their own expense. 

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