Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Oct 20-27, 2018
  • Trip Type:
  • Cats
  • Dogs

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World Vets has been sending veterinary teams to the Puerto Plata area for many years. The objective of our visits has been to support local efforts in facilitating free sterilization services, and in making routine veterinary care more accessible for 6S7A0551 (Large)local animals. As such, World Vets will send a team to Cabarete where they will provide a large scale spay/neuter 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, airport transfers per established meeting times on official 6S7A0344 (Large)arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to clinic work, lunch 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 and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit the Dominican Republic (i.e a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from your initial date of departure, visa if applicable).

A few special notes:
  • Veterinarians will need to provide a copy of their veterinary license as well as a photo of themselves (i.e. passport photo page in color will suffice). These documents are required in order to obtain permission for the veterinary team to be provide voluntary services in the DR. Licenses can be faxed to 1 877 688 8387 or scanned/emailed to trips@worldvets.org. Photos should be emailed.
  • 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. Learn more about volunteer tasks here
  • 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 20): Official Arrival Day

Arrive at Gregorio Luperon International Airport located in Puerto Plata. Airport Code: POP. 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 their accommodations 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. It is requested that volunteers submit their flight information no later than September 20th, 2018

Day 2 (October 21):Group Activity & Leisure

Today the team will take part in a  group activity – more information to follow! Past excursions have had volunteers enjoy a boat trip, horseback riding, beach time and more.

Day 3 (October 22): Leisure & Clinic Set up

Today is free for volunteers to take advantage and explore the area before work begins. World Vets does not have any activities planned, 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 (October 23, 24 & 25): 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 around 8:00 AM to be taken to the clinic location. Bring your scrub top, headlamp and comfortable shoes and be ready to pitch in and help wherever needed to make the project a success. (Lunches provided at clinic site)

Day 7 (October 26):Leisure & Free Time

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.

Day 8 (October 27): Official Departure Day

Today is the official end date of the project and signifies the departure of the team. Up to two airport shuttles will be available and they will be based on the departure times of the majority. To ensure your flight is taken into consideration when scheduling airport transfers, please send us your flight info by if not before the date specified above.

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 hotel that is located right on the beach and a few minutes drive from the city center. The property features an outdoor pool and lounge area, onsite security, and WiFi. There is also a restaurant located right next door where you will enjoy breakfast each morning (included with your stay). Accommodations will be shared. Rooms have A/C and hot water for showers.

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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