Depending on the season, the pets’ shop and vet clinic has a lot of animals (some under vet care since they are ill and some using the pet shop as a vacation stay, and some for sale). CP provides clients with veterinary assistance and has the necessary equipment for special studies such as electrocardiograms, ecographies and X-rays. It also offers a wide variety of animals for sale, ranging from cats and dogs to all types of birds, reptiles, tropical water fishes, titi monkeys and small animals.


PROJECT OVERVIEW

CP has 2 vets plus 13 people working between the Pet Shop and the Clinic. Working hours are from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. There are also people on Sundays doing the cleaning and feeding the animals. An intermediate Spanish level is required to work in the clinic (vet consultations and surgeries).

You will need a strong passion for animals to be able to become part of Centro Pet in three different areas; depending on your likes, experience and level of Spanish:
• Helping take care of the boarding pets as well as those for sale and under medical care (e.g. cleaning the cages, feeding the animals, checking their health, administering their medicine, etc.)
• Helping with the pets’ grooming.
• Providing assistance to the local vet during consultations and surgeries.

Additionally, CP organizes special talks and short courses for anyone interested in learning about the pets’ world and the basics on veterinary nursing. You'll be welcome to both attend these talks as well as, under certain circumstances, to give them.


REQUIREMENTS

If you have no qualifications or experience but you have passion for the animals, you'll be given the opportunity to get really involved. Vet doctors or vet students are most welcome and will be able to help with the clinic (if you have a high level of Spanish).

You should be able to meet the following criteria:
• Have a strong passion for animals
• Be over 17 years of age
• Be able to speak some Spanish (intermediate level) to work in the clinic. Your involvement and learning possibilities will depend on your level of Spanish and willingness to participate. If you are a vet student or vet doctor, it is highly recommended that you have a good command of the language.
• Be able to stay for a minimum of 1 month
• Be able to work on your own initiative – this is crucial to your success on the placement.


LOCATION

The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. The natural wonders alone take some beating! From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning.


COSMOPOLITAN BUENOS AIRES

This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it. BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance. Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.

Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night.


ACCOMMODATION

There are two choices for accommodation in Buenos Aires. Depending on your preferences you can either stay in the modern hostel with other volunteers, in the young and trendy neighbourhood of Palermo, or, if you would prefer a more cultural experience, you can be placed with a host family and be fluent in Spanish is no time!


WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure!
► The rewards from helping others and Making a Difference!
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Buenos Aires, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!.


OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...

"My time in Buenos Aires has been everything I hoped it would be and more and my only complaint is how quickly the time has gone since I got here. The city is brilliant and I have been very impressed with the staff at the hostel and Travellers staff who are always interested in how I am getting on and willing to help if I need it."