Description

A volunteer veterinarian would provide sterilization procedures, minor surgeries, perform routine health check-ups on the dogs, and bathe and groom the dogs.

You may also be responsible for general maintenance of the shelter and the dogs, including feeding them and cleaning the kennels.

Highlights

Refugio Animazul, is one of very few animal shelters in Lima. They are committed to the well-being of abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs, of which there are so many in Lima. The dogs they rescue from the streets are those that have no home or that have owners that do not care for them properly. In the shelter, each dog is fed, bathed, sterilized, given veterinary care, and socialized. Their ultimate aim is that each dog at the shelter be adopted by a responsible and caring family or individual, but this is a major struggle as most people prefer puppies or purebred dogs. The shelter currently has approximately 54 dogs in search of a home, all spayed, vaccinated and with love to give.

One of their major goals is to promote sterilization as the primary means to prevent overpopulation and to educate Peruvian society that stray animals are beings who suffer and depend on us to live.

This shelter is severely underfunded and understaffed. They operate on a volunteer-based staff of five. All of them are animal lovers, but none are Veterinarians. For Veterinary care, including basic maintenance and minor and major surgeries for the dogs in their care, they must pay to see a Vet. The Veterinarians that do work with them frequent offer a discount, but it is still often beyond the budget of Animazul.

A volunteer who could spend a couple of weeks to several months providing veterinarian services to the animals on a regular basis would be a major relief to this organization, as it would mean that more of their small budget could be spent on food, rent, and other necessities. The volunteer veterinarian would also be invaluable in sharing tips with the staff on how to handle the dogs, properly bathe them, and cut their nails safely so that they can continue to do these things on their own after the volunteer placement ends.

Qualifications

You must be either a professional veterinarian or a veterinary student in your final year of studies. You must love animals, and feel comfortable handling large, formerly stray dogs.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Health Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2.595 for 4 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

The ability to work as part of a team with the other volunteer staff members is essential, and a lot of patience and affection toward animals. You should also be able to handle the tragic conditions that many of the dogs arrive with.

Volunteer Types

• Veterinary

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998