This wildlife/exotics project is open to vet students, pre-vet students and vet tech students wishing to gain exposure to and experience working with wildlife and exotics, in addition to zoo medicine.
The project will be based at a local facility that takes in injured, orphaned or or confiscated wildlife. The center is home to a variety of animals including monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, a variety of exotic birds, sea turtles, sea lions and more.
Students will work as a group with our wildlife and exotics veterinarian to perform annual exams and treatments including such things as blood draws/blood screens, TB testing, physical exams, parasite testing and treatments, preventive health care treatments and any needed medical, surgical and/or dental procedures. Students will get experience with proper handling, anesthesia and assisting with a variety of procedures.
What is included: Volunteer kit, World Vets 
scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, airport transfers per established meeting times on official arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to veterinary work and activities, lunch on veterinary 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, breakfast and dinner, and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Honduras (i.e a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from the initial date of departure, visa if applicable).
A few special notes:
- The full student project fee for this opportunity is $1650 USD, however, only a deposit of $400 USD will be due at the time of registration. The remaining balance ($1250 USD) is due by January 8, 2018. If you register after this date, we will require the remaining balance within 5 – 7 business days from the date of your original registration. Accepted forms of payment for the remaining balance are a personal check made out to World Vets (that is payable in US currency), money order and credit card. Please note that using a credit card will incur an additional 3.5% service charge fee.
- 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 be able to accommodate any specialty diets such 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 week.
- 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 & Conditions
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Itinerary
Day 1 (March 10): Official Arrival Day
Arrive at Roatan International Airport. Airport code: RTB. It is requested that volunteers schedule their flights so that they arrive no later than 6 pm. Multiple airport transfers may be available and will be based on the arrival times of the majority. Upon arrival, the team will check into housing and have the rest of the day to relax and explore.
Once the flight for the wildlife/exotics 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 us your flight information no later than February 10th, 2018.
Day 2 (March 11): Group Activity | Orientation
Today students will take part in a group activity – more information to follow.
Day 3 & 4 (March 12 & 13): Veterinary work
Today students will work as a group with our wildlife and exotics veterinarian to perform annual exams and treatments including such things as blood draws/blood screens, physical exams, parasite testing and treatments, preventive health care treatments and any needed medical or surgical procedures. Students will get experience with proper handling, anesthesia and assisting with a variety of procedures.
Lunch provided at work site
Day 5 (March 14): Leisure
Today is free for students to explore the island, do some sightseeing and/or take part in a nearby excursion. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so students will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
Day 6 & 7 (March 15 & 16): Veterinary work
Today students will work as a group with our wildlife and exotics veterinarian to perform annual exams and treatments including such things as blood draws/blood screens, physical exams, parasite testing and treatments, preventive health care treatments and any needed medical or surgical procedures. Students will get experience with proper handling, anesthesia and assisting with a variety of procedures.
Lunch provided at work site
Day 8 (March 17):Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. Multiple airport shuttles may be available based on 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.
Please note: Itinerary subject to change without notice
Accommodations
Students will stay at a rustic inn that is centrally located on the West End of the island. The property is steps from the local beach and within walking distance to local restaurants, shops and more. Sea kayaks and snorkel gear are also available for rent. Accommodations will be shared and rooms have A/C and hot water.
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