World Vets has been working in the Ibarra/Otavalo region in Ecuador for the past four years. In these communities we have established formal agreements with their municipalities which prevents the poisoning of animals as a form population control. Similar to past campaigns, we will provide a large scale sterilization campaign for cats and dogs. All veterinary services are provided free of charge in 
collaboration with local animal welfare group PAE-Ibarra. This project consists of high volume sterilization surgery where up to 70 – 80 surgeries may be performed in just one day.
What’s included: Volunteer kit, World Vets scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, 
breakfast with accommodations, airport transfers per established times, ground transportation related to clinic work, lunch on clinic work days, a group activity, full participation in project and all supplies.
What’s not included: Airfare, optional excursions, incidentals, travel and/or health insurance, and anything not specifically outlined as included.
A few special notes:
- Volunteers are responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Ecuador (i.e a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, visa if applicable).
- 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.
- 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.
- Volunteers are encouraged to purchase travelers insurance to cover for any unforeseen illness, injury, extreme weather causing flight delays and/or cancellations. Affordable travelers insurance, that also covers World Vets project fee in the event of a last minute cancellation, can be obtained here
- The general packing list is geared towards more tropical climates. The most frequent comment made by previous volunteers to Ecuador has been to bring more warmer clothes.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Jul 17): Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Airport Code: UIO. It is requested that volunteers schedule their flights so that they arrive no later than 11 pm. Multiple airport transfers may be available and will be based on the arrival times of the majority (i.e one for arrivals in the late afternoon/early evening and another for late evening arrivals). Upon arrival, the team will be transferred to basic accommodations in Quito for the night.
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 trips@worldvets.org
Day 2 (Jul 18): Around 9 am, the team will be picked up from their Quito hotel and transferred ~ 2 hrs north. On the ride up the team will take part in short group activity that consists of a quick side trip to stop at the 0 degrees Equator mark. Upon arrival, volunteers will have the rest of the day to get settled, relax and explore.
Day 3 (Jul 19): Today is a free day for volunteers to explore the sights in and around Otavalo. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
In the afternoon the field service veterinarian along with a small group of volunteers, will go to the clinic-site with local partners to set up and prepare for the following days of clinic work.
Day 4, 5 & 6 (Jul 20, 21 & 22): Veterinary clinic work days.
Hopefully you are well rested and adjusted to the climate because for the next three days you will be operating a field condition sterilization campaign. The team will be picked up between 8:00 – 8:30 AM to be taken to the clinic location.
Day 7 (Jul 23): 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 (Jul 24): Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. The return airport shuttle provided by World Vets will correspond to the field service veterinarian’s departure flight.
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.
Accomodations
The team will stay at a beautiful and cozy lodge located within the town of Otavalo. It is equipped with hot showers, WiFi internet access, gardens and an outdoor patio. The team will also enjoy breakfast (included with accommodations) each morning at its very own restaurant located on site. Rooms will be shared with one other volunteer.
General Packing List
*This packing list is geared towards our regular field service opportunities to tropical destinations
- Shoes (Keen, Teva, tennis shoes, anything comfortable, preferably washable and w/ covered toes)
- T-shirts/Short sleeved shirts
- Shorts (shorts are ok for surgery)
- Scrub Pants (optional)
- World Vets scrub top
- Swimsuit
- Light Jacket or sweatshirt
- Bandana/hat
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Headlamp (Highly recommended for vets and students, optional but recommended for others)
- Camera (w/ extra batteries and memory card)
- Daypack or tote
- Travel Alarm
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Prescription medications
- Over the counter meds (Tylenol, Imodium, cold meds etc)
- Comb/brush
- Soap
- Band-Aids
- Glasses/contact lenses
Extras:
- Beach Towel
- Ear Plugs
- Flip Flops/Shower shoes
- Small travel flashlight
- Laptop (most destinations have WiFi although not very reliable)
Air Mattress (If applicable)
