GoAbroad
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers on the Veterinary Care program in St Mary support local clinics and shelters that care for stray and domesticated animals. You will assist qualified staff with tasks such as preparing animals for examinations, helping with basic treatments, monitoring recovery, and supporting general animal handling under supervision. Volunteers also help with daily clinic operations, including cleaning, organising supplies, and maintaining safe, hygienic spaces. Some placements may include outreach visits to support farm animals or livestock owners in rural areas.

Your contribution supports animal welfare in a community where veterinary resources are limited. By helping animals access treatment more quickly, you improve well-being, reduce suffering, and gain valuable insight into veterinary work.

This program is open to volunteers aged 18 and above with an interest or background in animal care. Placements last one to four weeks, with commitments of up to five hours per day. Shared accommodation, meals, orientation, and in-country support are included. Volunteers leave knowing they contributed directly to improving animal health and welfare in St Mary.

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Program Highlights

The IVHQ Jamaica program begins on the first and third Monday of every month. You can choose to volunteer for durations ranging from 1 week to 8 weeks.
The Jamaica program is located in the popular port town of Ocho Rios, which is a resort and cruise ship harbor and has plenty of restaurants and craft markets which volunteers can explore.
Jamaica program fees include 24/7 in-country support, airport pick-up, program orientation, volunteer placement, accommodation, meals.
Work helps provide care to stray and domesticated animals often neglected or abandoned, increasing access to veterinary support in under-resourced communities around St Mary.
Opportunity to gain veterinary or animal-care experience, contribute to animal welfare, learn about caring for animals in a different context, and immerse yourself in Jamaican community life.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
1
3
0
2
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1
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Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Program Administration
4.0
Living Situation
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Kyle AlexanderUnited Kingdom · August 2018

Trip of a lifetime

Volunteered at the dog shelter in Jamaica, for two weeks. With a carefully organised project, that worked with the local community, and a helpful support team always near by, I can honestly say I had the time of my life. I felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip, and had opportunities to see the many beautiful areas of Jamaica. Living in the paradise that is Jamaica, whilst also being rewarded by the care and work done in the day, is a combination that made this trip one to remember. The friends you make with fellow volunteers, the staff at the volunteering destination, and with the community are special, and are the people you remember for a long time. I cannot wait to go on another project with Volunteer HQ

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Veterinary Care program in St Mary involve?

The Veterinary Care project in St Mary allows volunteers to assist a local veterinary clinic with animal treatments, outreach and care of stray and domesticated animals.

* Tasks include assisting with operations, vaccinations and examinations.
* Work in a veterinary clinic and community care setting.
* Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in animal welfare.

When can I start and how long can I volunteer in St Mary?

The Veterinary Care program in St Mary starts every first and third Monday and allows durations between 1 and 4 weeks.

* Start dates on the first and third Monday of each month.
* Duration options range from 1-4 weeks.
* Volunteer hours up to 5 hours a day.

What are the requirements for the Veterinary Care program?

To join the Veterinary Care project in St Mary you must be aged 18 or older on your start date and provide a criminal background check before departure.

* Minimum age: 18+
* Criminal background check required.
* Volunteers must speak English and hold travel insurance.

What accommodation and support does IVHQ provide?

The Veterinary Care project in St Mary includes dormitory-style volunteer house accommodation, orientation and full in-country support from the local IVHQ Jamaica team.

* Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house.
* Orientation covers culture, safety and project expectations.
* 24/7 in-country local team support available.

Why volunteer in the Veterinary Care program in St Mary with IVHQ?

Volunteering in the Veterinary Care program in St Mary helps you develop animal-care skills, support local veterinary services and experience Jamaican culture near Ocho Rios.

* Enhance animal-care and veterinary clinic experience.
* Support welfare of stray and domesticated animals.
* Live and learn in a Caribbean community environment in Jamaica.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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