World Vets has been working in the Imbabura province of Ecuador since 2009. As part of our ongoing efforts to help control the local animal population, we will provide a large scale sterilization campaign for cats and dogs in collaboration with our local partners.
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 on 
official arrival/departure days, 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, World Vets membership fee, and anything not specifically outlined as included. 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 initial date of departure, visa if applicable)
A few special notes:
- Veterinarians will need to provide World Vets with a copy of their current veterinary license for this project. Copies of licenses should be sent either via fax to 1 877 688 8387 or scanned/emailed to trips@worldvets.org.
- 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.
- 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.
- Should volunteers have and/or wish to bring donated veterinary supplies for this project, please write to donations@worldvets.org so that your donation can be properly recorded. Also, all supply donations must not be expired.
- 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 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 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
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Itinerary
Day 1 (March 10): Official Arrival Day
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Airport Code: UIO. It is requested that volunteers schedule their flights so that they arrive no later than 11:30 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 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 info@worldvets.org. Please send your flight itinerary no later than February 10th, 2018.
Day 2 (March 11): Transfer & Leisure
Around 9:00 AM, the team will be picked up from their Quito hotel and transferred ~ 2 hrs north. Along they way you will stop to see the Equator.
Upon arrival in Otavalo, the team will get settled into accommodations and have the rest of the day and evening to relax and/or explore.
Day 3 (March 12): Leisure & Clinic Set up
The morning is set aside for free time. In the afternoon the field service veterinarian and a few team members will go to the clinic site with local partners to get orientated and set up for clinic work.
Tonight the team will meet up for a no host group dinner to go over details and plans for the following clinic days.
Day 4, 5 & 6 (March 13, 14 & 15): Veterinary Clinic 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. It is recommended that volunteers bring snacks as you may work into the early evening.
Day 7 (March 16): Leisure & Free Time
Today is free for volunteers. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, however, local partners usually have sight seeing activities organized for the team. Please note that it is not mandatory for volunteers to take part in the activities planned by local partners.
Day 8 (March 17): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. There may be two return airport transfers provided today (i.e for morning departures and late afternoon/evening departures) pending the departure times of 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
The team will stay at a beautiful and cozy lodge located within the town of Otavalo and within walking distance to local markets, restaurants and shops. It is equipped with hot showers, WiFi internet access, gardens, an outdoor patio and lounge area with fireplace. The team will also enjoy breakfast (included with accommodations) each morning at its very own restaurant located on site. 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
