In 2018 World Vets will continue its high volume sterilization efforts in Albania and operate a small animal pilot project in the coastal city of Vlorë. While we have worked in Albania previously, this is still considered a pilot project as this will be our first time carrying out a free veterinary campaign in this specific location.
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 and departure dates, ground transportation related to clinic work and veterinary activities, breakfast provided with/at accommodations, lunch on clinic 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 obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Albania (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 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 & Conditions
Itinerary
Day 1 (April 14): Official Arrival Day
Arrive at Tirana International Airport, in Tirana, Albania. Airport code: TIA. One airport transfer will be provided and will be based on the arrival time of the field service veterinarian. It is requested that everyone schedule themselves to arrive in Tirana no later than 4 pm. Upon arrival, the team will travel 2 hours to Vlore, check into their accommodations and have the rest of the evening to relax and/or explore.
*Please be advised that volunteers may have to start traveling on April 13 in order to arrive in Albania on April 14 (depending on flight itineraries).
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 infono later than March 14th, 2018.
Day 2 (April 15) Group Activity
Today the team will take part in a group activity – more information to follow!
Day 3 (April 16): Leisure & Clinic Set up
Today is set aside for leisure and 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 (April 17, 18 & 19): Clinic Work Days
Hopefully you are well rested because for the next three days you will be operating a field condition sterilization campaign. The team should be picked up by 8:00 AM to be taken to the clinic location.
Day 7 (April 20): Leisure/Free Time
The morning and afternoon are set aside for free time. World Vets does not have anything planned today, so volunteers will be responsible for arranging their own activities today.
Day 8 (April 21): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies departure. For those departing today, one return airport transfer will be provided. It will be scheduled according to the departure time of the field service veterinarian (i.e. 4-5 AM).
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 a coastal/beachfront hotel that is located a short drive from the center of Vlorë. The property features its own private beach area, a bar/restaurant on-site and WiFi. Rooms are equipped with A/C and have balconies that overlook the water. 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