Vientiane, Laos

Oct 30 - Nov 06, 2019
  • Trip Type:
  • Cats
  • Dogs

_MG_7643This is a small animal veterinary field project. As part of this project, World Vets team 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), students and for general assistants (individuals with no previous vet experience). Read more about volunteer positions below.


How much will it cost?

The project fee associated with this veterinary field service project is $1250 USD. The full amount will be due at the time of registration. Before you register, please ensure you do not have any scheduling conflicts that may impact your participation as project fees are non-refundable and/or non-transferrable to other trips and/or persons.

What’s Included:

World Vets logo scrub top*, volunteer kit, pre – trip planning and coordination per the project itinerary, accommodations for 7 nights, breakfast provided at accommodations, lunch on clinic work days, airport transfers per established meeting times on official arrival/departure days (see itinerary), ground transportation related to veterinary work, a group activity as well as all supplies and full participation on the project.

*Purchase additional World Vets logo gear for your trip, including extra scrub tops here 

What’s NOT included:

International airfare, optional excursions, travellers insurance, health insurance, World Vets membership fee, lunch on non-work days, dinner and snacks, required travel documentation to enter/exit Laos (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, World Vets veterinary team will execute a spay neuter campaign targeting both owned and unowned animals. Volunteers can expect at least 50 – 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.

Please note: All volunteers participating on this project must be vaccinated against rabies

Veterinarians

As a veterinarian, you primarily will be performing sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats. You may also be involved in the following:

  • Performing other surgeries that may be deemed necessary on a case by case basis (based on your comfort level and/or ability)
  • Providing surgical instruction and guidance to veterinary students in performing sterilizations

The veterinarian (surgical) 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 additional documentation for veterinarians volunteering on this project. See below under “A Few Special Notes” for more information

Veterinarians (Non-Surgical)

As a veterinarian filling a “non-surgical” position you will play a vital role in a variety of areas including:

  • Pre-surgical and medical consultations
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Providing leadership in post-operative care

The veterinarian (non-surgical) volunteer category may be filled by a licensed DVM.

Veterinary Technicians (Licensed and Non-Licensed) | Veterinary Nurses

As a veterinary technician/nurse, you will lead and/or be involved in running the pre-med/induction station to induce anesthesia, prepare patients for surgery as well as place IV catheters.  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. For veterinary technicians who are not licensed, they should register under the “Tech/Student” category.

Students

As a veterinary student, pre-veterinary student and/or veterinary technician student, you may be involved in any of the following activities:

  • Pre med/Induction (All students): Assisting with prepping patients for surgery  (i.e. animal handling/restraint, expressing bladders, assisting with catheter placement, shaving and sterilizing surgical field, positioning patient for the surgeon).
  • Surgery (Veterinary students):  Assisting a veterinarian in surgery, cleaning up surgical area for the next patient and/or observing surgery. Note: As part of this project, veterinary students can expect to perform a few sterilizations under the direct guidance and instruction of a veterinarian.
  • Recovery (All students):  Monitoring patients after surgery, administering appropriate post-op medications per protocol chart and grooming.

The student volunteer category may be filled by veterinary students, pre–veterinary students, and/or veterinary technology students. When registering, select the “Tech/Student” category and further classify your position on the registration form to reflect the student type that you are filling. 

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:

  • Veterinarians will be required to submit a copy of their veterinary license per country requirements for this project. Such documentation should be scanned/emailed to trips@worldvets.org and/or faxed to 1 877 688 8387. Please submit this documentation no later than May 1st, 2019
  • We will require that all volunteers participating on this project be vaccinated against rabies.
  • There is a visa requirement for most foreigners to enter Laos. This may be obtained prior to travel here and/or upon arrival at the airport.
  • 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.
  • World Vets is able to accommodate vegetarians on this project. However, we will not 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.
  • 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. It is recommended that volunteers be vaccinated for rabies, though is not a requirement for this particular project.
  • 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 30): 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.orgPlease send your flight information no later than September 30th, 2019.

*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 (October 31): 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 1, 2 & 3): 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 4): 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 7 (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 8 (November 6): 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