November 11-18, 2026
This is a small animal veterinary field project that will provide direct veterinary services and care to animals in need on a large scale. To aid in the delivery of such assistance, we have volunteer opportunities that not only facilitate quality veterinary care but also enable individuals to be a part of the work that we do around the world.
For this field project, volunteer opportunities are open to vets, techs (both licensed and non-licensed), and general assistants. Volunteer selection will be coordinated with Lakefield Veterinary Group. Read more about volunteer positions below.
**Note- This is a closed project made possible by sponsorship from Lakefield Veterinary Group. Please view our upcoming projects page for trips that are open to our general membership.
What’s included in the Project:
World Vets logo scrub top, volunteer kit, pre – trip planning and coordination per the project itinerary, accommodations for 8 days and 7 nights, breakfasts for the whole week, lunch on clinic work days, airport transfers in Siem Reap per established meeting times on official arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to veterinary work, a group excursion/activity, veterinary and volunteer permissions, as well as all supplies and full participation on the project.
What’s NOT included:
International/domestic airfare, optional excursions, travelers’ insurance, health insurance, World Vets membership fee, lunch on non-workdays, dinner and snacks, required travel documentation to enter/exit Cambodia (i.e. a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from your initial date of travel, visa if applicable), incidentals and anything not specifically outlined as included.
What will I be doing?
This is a small animal veterinary field project. For this particular project, the World Vets veterinary team will be operating a spay-and-neuter campaign targeting both owned and unowned animals. Volunteers can expect 75+ sterilizations to be performed each day. We may also see health consultations, perform other types of surgeries, and/or treat injuries on a case-by-case basis.
Veterinarians
As a veterinarian, you primarily will be performing sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats. You may also be involved in the following:
- Medical diagnosis and treatment and/or in providing health consultations
- Performing other surgeries that may be deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis (based on your comfort level and/or ability)
- Providing instruction to students and/or local volunteers or pet owners
The veterinarian volunteer category may be filled by a licensed DVM who is both competent and comfortable in performing routine spay/neuter surgery. PLEASE NOTE: We will require copies of veterinary licenses for veterinarians volunteering on this project.
Veterinary Technicians (Licensed and Non-Licensed) | Veterinary Nurses
As a veterinary technician, you will lead and/or be involved in running the pre-med/induction station to induce anesthesia and prepare patients for surgery. This includes:
- Administering, monitoring and managing the pre-medication given to surgical patients
- Administering, monitoring and managing the anesthesia given to surgical patients
- Assisting with surgical prep and patient monitoring
The “Tech (LVT/RVT)” volunteer category may only be filled by a veterinary technician that is either certified, licensed and/or registered. Please note, proficiency in IV catheter placement is essential in this position. Veterinary technicians and assistants who are not licensed, but who have experience in a veterinary clinic setting, should register under the “Tech/Assistant” category and further classify their position on the registration form.
Assistants
The assistant volunteer category is open to anyone who loves animals and wants to help. Our assistant position requires no prior experience, just a willingness to learn! Assistants often help in the post operation recovery area and in a variety of miscellaneous duties (based on your skills, experience and comfort level).
A few special notes:
Please refer to information on the US State Department website for travel to Cambodia, as well as the CDC website for current information on international travel and health recommendations. Please read and fully understand the terms and conditions in the link below.
World Vets is not able to provide medical advice related to travel vaccines or other travel-related medical questions. 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. We will require that all volunteers participating on this project be vaccinated against rabies.
There is a visa requirement for most foreigners to enter Cambodia. Tourist visas for this project may be obtained prior to travel here (recommended) or upon arrival at the airport (requires a recent 2×2 inch passport photo and application form).
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 and/or mask.
We will be reserving double rooms; volunteers should expect to share a room. We will try to accommodate any roommate requests- please let us know when you register. Each room has a private bathroom/shower. Please view the accommodations section below for more details on the property and room amenities.
World Vets is able to accommodate vegetarians on this program. However, we will not be able to accommodate any specialty diets such as 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 program.
We understand that sometimes unexpected things can happen to stop a volunteer being able to participate in a project. We highly recommend that you obtain travel and medical insurance for your trip. Check online for reputable providers of medical evacuation & advisory services as well as general travelers/trip cancellation insurance. You must read the policy wording to ensure the policy is a fit for your needs. Policies must be purchased prior to your initial registration in order to qualify- check with individual provider for details.
Please read and make sure you understand World Vets Terms & Conditions
Project Itinerary
Day 1 (November 11): Official Arrival Day and Start Date of Trip
Arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (Code: SAI). This is a new international airport that is 50km from Siem Reap (1 hour+). Several airport transfers will 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.
*Please be advised that volunteers may have to start traveling one or even two days earlier in order to arrive in Siem Reap on the official arrival day.
Day 2 (November 12): Group Activity | Free Time
After breakfast in the morning, the team will go together on a local tour (to be determined). The rest of the day is free for volunteers.
*Breakfast provided
Days 3 (November 13): Free Time | Clinic Setup | Group Meeting
The morning is set aside for free time. We recommend volunteers take a sightseeing excursion to visit Angkor Wat and other local city sights.
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.
Days 4, 5, & 6 (November 14, 15, & 16): Clinic Days
Hopefully you are well rested because for the next three days you will be operating a field condition sterilization campaign. The team will be picked up around 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.
*Breakfast and lunch provided
Day 7 (November 17): Leisure | Free Time
Today is free for volunteers. World Vets does not have any activities scheduled for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
*Breakfast provided
Day 8 (November 18): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. Several airport transfers will be available and will be based on flight departure times.
(Please note: the day-to-day schedule may be subject to change.)
Accommodations
The team will stay at a boutique hotel that is located away from the hustle and bustle, though still near the city center, markets, and pub street areas. A few hotel facilities and amenities include outdoor pool, lounge with snack and drink bar, Wi-Fi, and spa & massage services*. Rooms are equipped with A/C and safety deposit boxes. Accommodations will be shared. Breakfast provided at/with hotel.
*Services provided at the spa are not included with accommodations. Should volunteers wish to indulge in the spa services offered, this would be at their own expense.
