World Vets will send a veterinary team to the South East Asian country of Laos for a small animal pilot project. A pilot project is a location where we have not previously worked. The team will provide a high volume sterilization and animal health campaign.
What is included: Volunteer kit, World Vets scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, breakfast included with/at accommodations, airport transfers on 
official days of arrival/departure and per established times, ground transportation related to clinic work, lunches on clinic 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, dinner and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate documentation required for international travel as well as entry/exit to Laos (i.e a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, tourist visa*), and any required vaccinations.
A few special notes:
- We will require that all volunteers participating on this project be vaccinated against rabies.
- *There is a tourist visa requirement for most foreigners entering Laos. This may be obtained prior to travel here and/or upon arrival at the airport.
- Veterinarians will need to provide World Vets with a copy of their current veterinary license for this project. Copies of licenses can either be faxed 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.
- 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
Itinerary
Day 1 (October 31): Official Arrival Day
Arrive at Wattay International Airport located in Vientiane, Laos. Airport Code: VTE. Multiple airport transfers may be available and will be based on the arrival times of the majority. Upon arrival, the team will be transferred to accommodations and have the rest of the day/evening to relax and/or 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 number) to info@worldvets.org. Please send your flight information no later than September 30th, 2018.
*Please be advised that volunteers may have to start traveling one or even two days earlier in order to arrive in Vientiane on October 31st.
Day 2 (November 1): City Sightseeing AM | Clinic Set up PM
Following breakfast the team will be picked up and taken on a half day sightseeing excursion to visit all major city sights. This is an optional activity for volunteers. World Vets will be providing the transportation and volunteers will be responsible for their entrance fees.
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 3, 4 & 5 (November 2, 3 & 4): 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 by 8:00 AM to be taken to the clinic site.
Bring your scrub top, headlamp and comfortable shoes and be ready to pitch in and help wherever needed to make the project a success. (Lunch provided at clinic site)
Day 6 (November 5): Full Day Group Activity
Today the team will take part in a full day group activity that will take them outside the city of Vientiane to experience the countryside, visit a nearby lake, local market and to sample local cuisine.
Day 7 (November 6): Free Day & Leisure Time
Today is free for volunteers. World Vets does not have any activities planned, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
Day 8 (November 7): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. There may be multiple return airport shuttle provided by World Vets depending 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
World Vets team will stay at a hotel located near the Mekong River and is within walking distance from the Night Market. The property features an outdoor pool, on-site bar/restaurant, and WiFi. Rooms have A/C and will be shared. Breakfast is included with/provided at accommodations.
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