Travel, Explore, and Help Animals With VetAdventure

  Botswana

Maun

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: If you love animals and want to make a positive difference in animal welfare in a developing country, this is the ideal project for you. Come to fascinating Botswana to join our sterilisation and vaccination project in a part of the world that's rich in wildlife, nature, and culture.

The project is currently concentrating their attention predominantly on sterilising bitches, many of which are pregnant. This year our efforts will also focus on vaccination against rabies and distemper.

The majority of dogs are affected by Ehrlichia and as a result will bleed more than usual. Many also have fly wounds, particularly on the ears, which may be infected. Cases of TVT are also seen, these are treated with Vincristine if possible, and one case of suspected distemper was observed on a previous WVS visit.

Volunteers will be expected to work hard, days will usually be around 8 hours in length (including breaks) but may be longer or shorter. There will be days off, although some of these may be spent travelling, and there will be plenty of opportunities to see the area. The MAWS team are very keen for our teams to continue visiting and go to great lengths to ensure that volunteers have some leisure time and the chance to visit the amazing Okavango Delta with its abundant wildlife. This will be an unforgettable experience and comes highly recommended.

Highlights: This trip offers participants a unique and unforgettable experience travelling to the Okavango Delta. Not only will the opportunity present for volunteers to gain invaluable surgical experience but also to help Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) whilst visiting the largest freshwater wetland in Africa.

In Botswana's arid and unforgiving bush, the Delta is an oasis where you will find one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Few places on Earth elicit such awe. A pure river bursts out of wild highlands and meanders through African wilderness until it is channelled by shuddering tectonic plates. Finally, it spills out onto the sands of the Kalahari, where it forms an intricate web of thriving life. Volunteers will not only enjoy a unique safari experience but, for vet students, this week can also be used as EMS small animal experience.

Qualifications: VetAdventure teams will consist of 4 students, 2 new graduates and 2 non-vets. Experienced WVS vets and WVS qualified Vet Nurses will accompany the team. Comfortable accommodation and food will be provided throughout the trip, a safari into the Delta and all transportation will also be organised for you.

The veterinary students chosen to participate on this trip will have the opportunity to perform blood sampling, basic stitch ups and will have a minimum of 2 hours one-to-one surgical experience per day performing neutering procedures, more if deemed appropriate by the veterinary team leader. This will allow you to become more confident with basic surgical procedures and develop clinical skills which will last a lifetime.

Volunteers should be aware that facilities will be basic compared to UK small animal hospitals and adaptation or improvisation may be necessary.

Experience Required: yes

some experience in Animal Care

Typical Volunteer: Our programmes are tailored for suitablility into three broad categories. New Graduates/Vet Student Programmes for new graduates and vet students, GAP Year for those who are planning to choose an animal welfare orientated career and Adventurers for clients who want to experience a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience whilst helping to make a difference to animals in need. The Adventure programmes offer a range of experinces from ultra luxury wildlife safaris to Mountain Gorilla trekking. All our trips have specialist interest and offer a unique experience unavailable anywhere else.

Age Range: 18-75

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Botswana Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

VetAdventure 's Mission Statement: VetAdventure is a social enterprise affiliated with the international animal charity Worldwide Veterinary Service. This means that just like other Fair trade organizations, VetAdventure was set up to support a charity and ensure a sustainable resource to the work of Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS). WVS is a registered UK charity that is now the largest supplier of veterinary resources to non-profit organizations globally - co-ordinating multiple projects in over 50 countries per annum. VetAdventure facilitates opportunities for animal lovers, vet students and recent new graduates to participate in programmes alongside the WVS teams. We specialise in unique trips that are both challenging and fulfilling experiences. The cornerstone of our friendly and flexible approach is to give individuals an experience that is absolutely unique. We can provide you with a fulfilling holiday that will also make a difference to the animals and people you meet on your trip. The programmes we offer are globally based and are tailored into various packages geared to suit your individual appetite for adventure and experience! Our Vision is that Vet-Adventure will be a global social enterprise, providing unique and truly worthwhile ethical tourism and that we serve to enhance conservation, animal welfare and the moral perception of animals worldwide. Our mission is to ensure Vet-Adventure is a pioneering leader in the eco-tourism market, thus ensuring the sustainability of a worthwhile charity for the foreseeable long term future.

Year Founded: 2007