Veterinary Medicine and Animal care

  Nigeria

Abuja,  Ibadan,  Lagos

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: anytime

Description: Working as a volunteer on a Veterinary Medicine or Animal Care project with VCN, you will gain some fantastic work experience which would simply not be possible in your own country. To start with you are likely to see many exciting types of animals, such as snakes, big cats or even elephants! Volunteers will also get to see cases that have been virtually eliminated in the developed world, such as rabies, and you will develop a better understanding of the problems that people are faced with in both urban and rural areas of the third world.

Whether you work as a Veterinary Medicine or an Animal Care volunteer you will be given a placement supervisor who is responsible for giving you a full and varied flavour of the kind of work done by people in this field. You will shadow local professionals and will gain hands-on experience which befits your level of experience. You will be able to ask questions and learn from your local colleagues. You may work in a surgery or in an animal centre, and your work is likely to involve going out on visits in the local community. Work with veterinarians in private practice or in a clinic, or venture out with vets who minister to and specialize in farm animals. You will have opportunities to work hands-on and observe the reality of day-to-day care of animals.

Highlights: Attitudes to animals in the developing world are different from those that exist in the developed world, for a variety of reasons. In poorer societies a great deal of dependence is placed on many types of animals for the completion of necessary tasks, particularly in farming, where people do not benefit from the labour-saving devices that are taken for granted in many developed countries. Working animals are therefore valued in terms of their strength and speed.

The animals treated most frequently include: dogs, cats, sheep, goats, monkeys, and parrots. The doctors and nurses also make regular house calls for cattle, poultry and pigs. Some of the common diseases include: ticks, worms, foot rot, pneumonia, distocia, and lice infestation. Working hours are typically Monday-Friday 8am - 7pm and sometime Saturdays.

Qualifications: Diploma in Veterinary Medicine and Bachelors who are willing to offer their help. Also student undergoing training in the field of vet medicine, animal science, and fishery.

What is Included:

Airport Pick Up: Upon arrival, our staff will be at the Airport to pick you up. Please do not forget to send us your flight information and we guarantee, you will never miss us at the airport.

Orientation: Orientation about the local culture, history, safety, religious, and other issues relating to the country.

Accommodation: You will be staying with a host family, within a rented house and volunteer will stay either in a single or shared room. All our families are middle-class and live in safe neighborhoods. The distance from the project varies. The family will provide three meals a day.

Compensation: The program fee also covers compensation for local families and hosts who supply accommodation and food for each volunteer. Staying with a host family will allow you to truly be immersed in the local culture.

Food: In most cases your meals are cooked and provided for you by your host family. You will be getting 2/3 Meals per day. Breakfast and Supper is provided during weekdays when volunteers are on placements and lunch is provided some weekends when volunteers are in their host home. If you're a vegetarian or have any allergies, this is taken into account when we arrange your placement.

Safety: Your well being while volunteering with us is our priority. We make sure your trip is safe and our in-country coordinator will provide whatever support you may need at any step along the way.

What is NOT Included?
Flight, Airport Taxes, Visa, Immunizations, Personal expenses, Soft drinks, Mineral Water, Passport, Travel Insurance, Entrance fees and in-country travel expenses including any excursions the volunteer wishes to take while volunteering.
Important information:
I. The program fee does not cover soft drinks, mineral water, and personal expenses.
Volunteers will be traveling on local buses and not air-condition buses.
II. We will offer meals and lodging from the first to the last day of the program

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: VCN volunteer in Veterinary Medicine or an Animal Care volunteer will be given a placement supervisor who is responsible for giving you a full and varied flavor of the kind of work done by people in this field. You will shadow local professionals and will gain hands-on experience which befits your level of experience. You will be able to ask questions and learn from your local colleagues. You may work in a surgery or in an animal center, and your work is likely to involve going out on visits in the local community. Work with veterinarians in private practice or in a clinic, or venture out with vets who minister to and specialize in farm animals. You will have opportunities to work hands-on and observe the reality of day-to-day care of animals. The animals treated most frequently include: dogs, cats, sheep, goats, monkeys, and parrots. The doctors and nurses also make regular house calls for cattle, poultry and pigs. Some of the common diseases include: ticks, worms, foot rot, pneumonia, distocia, and lice infestation.

Age Range: 16years and above

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nigeria Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteer Club of Nigeria's Mission Statement: Volunteer club of Nigeria is a unique non-profit volunteer driven organization that organizes specific projects and cultural exchange trips tailored to the interests of volunteers worldwide to help them understand and alleviate the challenges of Nigeria while gaining hands-on experience in their various fields of endeavor. Volunteer club of Nigeria is designed to allow volunteer's make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the condition of deprived communities.

Year Founded: 2008