Over the years World Vets has sent countless veterinary teams to Roatan to provide free veterinary care for the island’s small animal population. As in years past, our team will operate a veterinary field project that will 
provide spay/neuter services as well as provide medical consultations, and/or other surgical procedures deemed necessary on a case by case basis.
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, ground transportation related to clinic work and veterinary activities, lunch and dinner on clinic work days, veterinary permits, 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 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 is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, visa if applicable).
A few special notes:
- Upon registration, veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians will need to provide World Vets a copy of their license which is required to obtain a permit for the veterinary team to work in Honduras. This can either be faxed to 1 877 688 8387, scanned/emailed to .
- The house that the team will be staying at does not have enough individual beds for everyone. Students and/or those filling a “tech/student” or “assistant” positions should either plan to bring an air mattress or be prepared to sleep on a couch.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 & Condition
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Itinerary
Day 1 (Sept 6): 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 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 us your flight information no later than August 6th, 2017
Day 2 (Sept 7): Group Activity | Free Time
Today is free for volunteers to take advantage and explore the area before work begins. World Vets will organize a group activity today for all volunteers. More information to follow about the group activity.
Day 3 (Sept 8): Free time | Leisure & Clinic Set up
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.
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 to go over details and plans for the following clinic days.
Day 4, 5 & 6 (Sept 9, 10 & 11): 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 (Sept 12): Free Time | Leisure
Today is free for volunteers to take advantage and go sightseeing. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
If needed, a few team members may be involved in checking up on certain surgical patients today.
Day 8 (Sept 13):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.
Accommodations
The World Vets team will stay at the “house of dreams” – a beachfront vacation rental home. The spacious house is equipped with a pool, A/C, full kitchen, washer and dryer, internet and much more. Accommodations will be shared.
The house has 6 bedrooms and 4 baths. Please note that there are not enough individual beds for everyone on the team. Students and/or those filling a “tech/student” or “assistant” positions should be prepared to bring an air mattress or sleep on a couch. Veterinarians and the lead/designated LVT/RVT will have a bed.
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
