Volunteer Abroad at San Rafael Animal Shelter - Veterinary Assistant - Costa Rica

Description

A veterinary intern at this placement is needed to provide assistance with operations and daily care of the animals. The intern will have unique opportunities to observe and participate in various types of operations and treatments, as well participate in daily routines. This placement has two full time vets who are overworked on a consistent basis, having an intern will help immensely with their work!


This placement needs volunteers to help control the huge numbers of unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs in Costa Rica. Costa Rica's former solution to animal overpopulation was to poison the animals in overcrowded areas. AHPPA's sterilization program has put a stop to this terrible practice. Through low and no cost sterilization programs and education about the importance of sterilization, AHPPA hopes to decrease the numbers of abandoned animals but they need help in order to accomplish this goal.

AHPPA is the only recognized and certified animal shelter in Costa Rica. This organization is also attempting to start an education program for school age children in the area in the hopes of improving awareness around the importance of spaying and neutering animals, and treating pets with kindness.

Volunteers who are studying veterinary medicine will be able to assist the vets in caring for sick animals and performing sterilizations.

1. Working closely with vets to diagnose animals
2. Cleaning and organizing surgical tools
3. Observing and documenting operative procedures
4. Assisting with sterilizations of animals
5. Administering medications and routine treatments

Also can help walking dogs, spending time with animals, cleaning cages (see other entry under San Rafael Animal Shelter)

The shelter is open 7 days a week, volunteers can arrange to work on the weekend. Most volunteers work Monday to Friday.

Volunteers will work Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm and weekends from 9:30am-2pm, depending on the schedule arranged with the placement coordinator.

Requirements:
Volunteers with a background in veterinary medicine will be very helpful, but volunteers of all educational backgrounds are welcome.

Volunteers must be eager to help, compassionate, and love animals.

Those who get too easily attached to animals may have a difficult time on this placement, at times the animals are so sick they must be put down and volunteers must be able to understand and accept this.

Requirements

Language

English