Description

The Veterinary Medicine & Animal Care Project in Fiji is a great choice for anyone who loves animals and wants to gain some practical experience in veterinary medicine. Whether you are a student considering a career in veterinary medicine, a qualified vet, or simply a passionate animal lover, you can get involved and have valuable work to do on this placement.

Volunteers work at the Fiji Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) in Suva, the capital of Fiji. The SPCA is a national animal welfare charity and has been caring for animals in Fiji since 1953. In the animal center in Suva there is a small veterinary clinic, a welfare office, and a shelter which works to find homes for abandoned dogs and cats.

As a Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care intern in Fiji you will provide an extra pair of hands. You may have the opportunity to get involved in vaccinations, operations, inspections, spaying and neutering campaigns, and other routine activities. Your level of involvement will of course depend on your skills and qualifications.

The veterinarians and nurses who work in the clinic will be able to share their knowledge and experience with you. By showing initiative and a willingness to get involved, you will be able to gain some valuable work experience while immersing yourself in the fascinating culture of Fiji.

Highlights

Volunteers working at the SPCA center in Suva may get the opportunity to assist with the treatment of a range of animals, mainly domestic pets. Working alongside the local staff you will learn how to handle animals and reassure their owners. You will have the opportunity to observe how a diagnosis takes place and inoculations are given, and maybe even get to observe operations.

You will also assist with the general running of the animal center. This will involve all areas of animal care at the kennels, such as feeding, training and exercise, bathing and grooming, and cleaning the kennels themselves. You may be asked to assist with administrative tasks in the office, or help with marketing and fundraising at various public events, an area where they are eager for assistance. You may also help to plan and deliver educational talks in schools or at community events to help spread awareness about animal welfare issues. You will be expected to work 7-8 hours per day, and the occasional weekend.

Qualifications

must be 16 years of age or older.

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992