Veterinary Program

 

Vida’s Veterinary Program will allow students to assist in controlling animal overpopulation in underserved communities by offering high-quality spay/neuter clinics & animal welfare education. Students will further gain clinical and surgical skills through a hands-on, educational, and culturally immersive experience.

Our volunteer abroad program is specially designed for students from all levels who are looking to gain an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in the field of veterinary medicine. Past students have ranged from pre-vet students with limited surgical exposure to upper-level veterinary students.

 

 

Why you should join?

Vida operates field clinics in accordance with the International Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Field Services Guidelines. We emphasize patient and volunteer safety, high-quality pain management protocols, appropriate post-operative care, and ethical participation of international volunteers in surgical procedures.

You will be working with a skilled team of local veterinarians and technicians to provide quality veterinary care and educational services. These are only a few of the takeaways:

  • Understanding the fundamentals and standards of small animal field surgery clinics
  • Understand the importance of animal health and overpopulation control
  • In-depth clinical and surgical experience
  • Provide need-based assistance in communities
  • Define career goals
  • Work in a supervised ethical environment that follows international guidelines

Components for a successful trip

Field Clinics

Our mobile clinics are held in community centers, churches, schools, private farms, local ranches, or animal rescue centers in coordination with local community members and organizations. Regardless of the location, we set the highest level of professionalism for our volunteers and staff.

Homestays

A home away from home!

Homestays* promise a whole-hearted and culturally immersive experience. You’ll get a chance to learn about local family values and enjoy delicious, authentic, home-cooked meals​ ​while forming life-long bonds with our world-famous host families.

*Homestays depend on itinerary and group size

As a Veterinary program participant:

You will be working with a skilled team of local veterinarians and technicians and actively participating in high-quality spay/neuter clinics. . Some of your tasks will include:

  • Physical examinations
  • Intravenous catheter placements
  • ET tube placements
  • Pre-surgery preparation of patients
  • Sutures
  • Assist veterinarians with anesthetic procedures
  • Post-surgery: provide recovery attention to patients

Clinic set up

1

1. Waiting Area

This is where patients await to be seen.  We gather all relevant information from their owners and add their names to the list of patients we will see each day.

2

2. Intake

Students will assist with patient physical exams. Performing thorough physical examinations is important to evaluate the patient’s condition prior to surgery. If the patient is suitable for surgery, students will assist the veterinarians in prepping their patient for surgery.

3

3. Surgery

Students will assist the Veterinarian during spay/neuters and monitor vital signs while learning about minimally invasive techniques and different diseases.

4

4. Recovery

After surgery the students will help recover their patient by monitoring vital signs until they are fully recovered and can be sent home. Application of external parasite control, nail trimmings and ear cleanings will also be done. They will also prepare the medication that goes home with a surgical patient.

5

5. Cleaning Area

Students will wash and sterilize instruments following strict protocols.

What's included?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • All ground transportation between sites.
  • Accommodations
  • 2 meals during clinic days and 1 meal during recreation days
  • In-country orientation.
  • Program Manual.
  • 24-hour staff assistance.
  • All medicine, equipment, supplies, and professionals needed to successfully perform on clinic days.
  • Evening group activities.
  • All recreation activities listed in trip itinerary.
  • Border and customs fees (when applicable)
  • Statement of Service Hours
  • Certificate of Participation.  (Letters of recommendation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis).

Sample Itineraries

*Order of clinic, family visit and/or recreation days may change depending on country and route.

Questions?

Visit our Help Center to learn more about our program, safety and logistics.

Feel free to contact us! Fill out this form and one of our Student Engagement Representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.

Inquiries? Fill out this form so we can answer them properly!

Check Upcoming Trips

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sat15marAll Daysun23Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to GuatemalaVBGT031525Guatemala Duration: 9 days Date: Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025

sat22marAll Daysun30Medical, Dental & Veterinary Trip to Costa RicaSCCR032225Costa Rica Duration: 9 days Date: March 22, 2025 - March 30, 2025

mon28aprAll Daythu08mayMedical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to GuatemalaGPGT042825Guatemala Duration: 11 days Date: April 28, 2025 - May 08, 2025

fri02mayAll Daysat10Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to GuatemalaMCGT050225Guatemala Duration: 9 days Date: May 2, 2025 - May 10, 2025

thu15mayAll Daytue27Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Costa RicaOTCR051525Costa Rica Duration: 13 days Date: May 15, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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