Our goal is to help control animal overpopulation in communities in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. If you are a student seeking a supervised and ethical hands-on service learning experience with animals, Vida is the right program for you! This is a high quality educational program for those who wish to gain clinical and practical experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine.
Our program focuses mainly on the sterilization of felines and canines in field clinics; however, participants will also gain experience working with large animals. We operate field clinics in accordance with the International Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association -Field Services Guidelines which emphasizes patient and volunteer safety, high quality pain management protocols, appropriate post-operative care, and the ethical participation of volunteers in surgical procedures.
Patient safety and volunteer safety are our number one priorities. All procedures performed at our local field clinics are the responsibility of the licensed Vida Veterinarian in charge of the clinic. Participants are not liable for any procedures or surgical outcomes. A licensed bilingual veterinarian will perform the surgical procedures.
Our mobile clinics consist of three stations:
1. Intake Station: You will receive training and supervision in the Intake area from our licensed bilingual veterinarians. Skills that will be learned or enhanced include the following: Basic patient physical exams and assessments, vital signs, catheter placement, sedation techniques, anesthesia induction, intubation, and proper surgical preparation.
2. Surgery Station: Veterinary program volunteers are allowed to observe and assist the bilingual licensed veterinarian in charge of the surgery at this station. The surgical experience will based one your skill and experience which will be assessed by the licensed bilingual veterinary professional who will be supervising you. Skills that will be learned or enhanced include feline and canine anatomy, ovariohysterectomy and pre-scrotal neuter technique surgical skills, instrument identification and handling, suture skills and different suturing patterns proper sanitation and sterilization of surgical instruments in field clinics, as well as biohazard waste control techniques. Students will have the opportunity to assist the veterinarian in surgery and participate in monitoring anesthesia and vital signs while documenting the surgery in the medical chart. This is an amazing chance to gain invaluable experience to help prepare you for a career in veterinary medicine and at the same time, help animals in need.
3. Recovery station: You will rotate through this station to provide continuity of care to your patients. This station is dedicated to monitoring and documenting patient recovery. You will learn and enhance your skills in removing catheters, proper ex-tubation techniques, de-worming, nail trimming and ear cleaning all under the direct supervision of our licensed bilingual veterinarians. You will also assist in filling prescriptions for the take home analgesics and antibiotics for your patients according to Vida protocols. As the final step you will discharge the patient and give post-op care instructions to the owner with the help of our staff.
Other Opportunities
- Large animal field work –Volunteers will participate in de-worming and vitamin therapy for livestock in needy communities (cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, etc).
- Public Health education-Help to educate community members and local school children regarding animal welfare and about responsible pet ownership. Many people are still hesitant about spaying/neutering their pets, especially in indigenous communities; therefore part of our mission is to help educate the communities on the benefits of castration.
- Visits to local wildlife rescue centers (when available).