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Support Animal Health in Remote Islands of Bocas del Toro

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$300-600Program Costs
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Program Overview

Floating Doctors is a team of veterinarians, physicians, nurses, public health specialists, and students that provides primary care, advanced care, education and community development to remote rural indigenous communities in Bocas del Toro, Panama. With few resources and little access to care, there is an overwhelming need within these communities for veterinary medicine and animal husbandry education. Each year our medical clinic hosts hundreds of volunteers from around the world, and now we are looking to expand our veterinary clinic. Floating Doctors offers an exceptional opportunity for veterinary medical students to experience tropical medicine and its unique diseases, practice in a practical, hands-on setting, and provide much needed care and education to impoverished populations. Students will get hands on experience, doing the majority of the work, closely supervised by licensed veterinarians. Our student to staff ratio is maximum 4:1. Experiences may include surgery, physical exams, discussions on tropical diseases and treatment options. Students also enjoy a rare glimpse into the life of the Ngobe people and an unparalleled opportunity for cultural exchange.

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Program Highlights

Work directly with licensed veterinarians in remote communities in Panama.
Learn about tropical diseases, treatment methods, and animal healthcare in unique field settings.
Receive close supervision and personalized learning with a maximum 4:1 student-to-veterinarian ratio.
Participate in physical exams, surgeries, and practical veterinary procedures.
Experience daily life and cultural exchange with the Ngobe people in Bocas del Toro.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Group Meals
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Academic Credit
Certificate of Completion

Quick Details

Location
Bocas del Toro, PanamaRural Areas, Panama
Starts At$300-600
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement21-35
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Equestrian
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Marine Conservation
  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
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Updated Jun 24, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Bocas del Toro, Panama
  • Rural Areas, Panama

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Duration: 1-2 Weeks

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Language: Spanish
  • Education: Trade/technical/vocational training
  • Education: Master’s degree
  • Education: Professional degree
  • Education: Doctorate degree
  • Education: University Senior (4th Year)
  • Education: University 5th Year or More
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Education: Associate degree

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Travel Insurance

Age Requirement

21-35

Duration

1-2 Weeks

Starts At

$300-600

Salary & Compensation

Weekly volunteers pay a weekly stipend that covers living and program costs. If you want to stay long term please apply for one of our staff positions...

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Step 1 of 4Timing

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Floating Doctors.

What transportation options are available to get to Bocas del Toro?

Most volunteers fly into Panama City and then take a local airline to Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro. You can also travel here via bus. Lastly, you can fly into San Jose, Costa Rica, and come via bus. We are happy to discuss methods of travel. Just send us a message! The participant covers all travel costs. 

What kind of physical activities are involved in the program?

This program involves long rides in a boat and sometimes hiking through the jungle. In some of the communities we sleep in hammocks. We recommend this program for adventure addicts who want to see what real living is in the jungle. 

What are the available program dates and recommended stay lengths?

We operate year-round, even during the holidays. Volunteers can apply in weekly blocks (Sunday evening through Friday afternoon). As we visit a different community every week, we recommend applying for 2-3 weeks for the best experience. 

What accommodations are provided during the program?

On Sunday night, we will bring you to our base located on Isla Cristobal. Housing is shared rooms with bunk beds, communal bathrooms, and a dining hall. 

Do you provide additional volunteer or internship opportunities?

We welcome volunteers for any of our programs including Medical, Dental, and Veterinary

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