Video Credit: Lakefield Veterinary Group // Filmmaker Matt Charland
As part of this veterinary field project, Lakefield Veterinary Group will help us make spay/neuter and other needed veterinary services more accessible to the small animal population living in the Imbabura region of Ecuador.
What is included: Volunteer kit, World Vets scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, breakfast provided at accommodations, airport transfers per established times on official arrival/departure days, ground transportation related to veterinary work, lunches on field clinic work days, a group activity, full participation in project and all supplies.
What is not included: Airfare, optional excursions and/or activities, incidentals, travel and/or health insurance, World Vets membership fee, dinner, a few lunches (on ‘free’/non-work days) and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Ecuador (i.e a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from the date of departure).
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.
- 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.
- World Vets is able to accommodate vegetarians on this program. However, we will notable 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.
- Please read and make sure you understand World Vets Terms & Conditions
Itinerary
Day 1 (Nov 6): Official Arrival Day
Today marks the official arrival day of the project. Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Airport Code: UIO. Up to two airport transfers will be organized. In general, this is how they will be scheduled (though they will be based on the arrival information of the majority):
Shuttle #1: Anyone arriving before 7:00 PM
Shuttle #2: Anyone arriving between 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Once you have booked your flight, please send your flight information (i.e. arrival/departure time, airline carrier, flight numbers) to info@worldvets.org no later than October 6th, 2018.
Day 2 (Nov 7): Group Activity | Leisure
Today the team will take part in a group activity this morning. The afternoon is then set aside for free time.
Day 3 (Nov 8): Community Outreach & Free Time
This morning you will be involved in providing a community outreach clinic. You will visit a nearby community and provide health consultations, administer rabies vaccines and preventative health medicines to cats and dogs.
The afternoon is set aside for free time. World Vets does not have any activities planned for this, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
Day 4, 5 & 6 (Nov 9, 10, 11): Field Clinic Work days
The team will be picked up by 8:00 AM to be taken to the field clinic site. The veterinary services to be provided include spay/neuter surgery, health consultations and any other surgery deemed necessary on a case by case basis (i.e. mass or tumor removal, eye enucleation).
(Lunch provided at clinic site)
Day 7 (Nov 12): Free | Leisure
Today is free for volunteers to explore the area, do some sightseeing and/or take part in a nearby excursion before they head home. World Vets does not have any activities planned for today, so volunteers will be responsible for making their own arrangements.
Day 8 (Nov 13): Official Departure Day
Today is the official end date of the project and signifies departure. There will be two airport transfers provided. In general, this is how they will be scheduled:
Shuttle #1 for early morning departures* (i.e. 6 AM, 7:45 AM)
Shuttle #2 for late afternoon & evening departures (i.e. 5 PM onward)
*Please note that this transfer will depart as early as 2:00 am or 3:00am. If you do not wish to get up this early, we advise that you schedule your departure flight for later in the day
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 team will stay at a beautiful and cozy lodge located within the town of Otavalo and within walking distance to local markets, restaurants and shops. It is equipped with hot showers, WiFi internet access, gardens, an outdoor patio and lounge area with fireplace. The team will also enjoy breakfast (included with accommodations) each morning at its very own restaurant located on site. 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
