Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find abused, neglected or abandoned animals in areas afflicted with high poverty rates, and there are very few organisations dedicated to rescuing these animals. V2 Volunteers & Vacations has developed partnerships with organisations on the island of Tobago who need extra helping hands to carry out their duties.
If you have been studying veterinary science, you can join us on our veterinary assistant programme and receive invaluable first-hand experience of veterinary practice in the developing world. Our partner organisation is an Associate Member of the RSPCA that works to cure and rehabilitate injured and mistreated animals in Tobago.
Volunteer activities for Veterinary Assistant include:
- Assisting Veterinary Surgeon with medical procedures and treatments.
- Carrying out health checks on animals
- Conducting minor procedures
- Rescuing animals
By the end of one of these placements you will have:
- hands-on experience in the field of animal care and veterinary medicine
- a better understanding of animal care in an international environment and the different regional approaches to veterinary medicine
- raised awareness about responsible animal care in the local community
- helped many local, wonderful animals in need!
Recent Graduates: a veterinary volunteer position offers you a chance to apply your expert knowledge in a setting that greatly benefits from your placements. You gain valuable hands-on experience supported by a great staff with plenty of animals in need to tend to. You will be able to fully immerse yourself in Caribbean culture, whilst the shelter gains a skilled, highly motivated volunteer for a couple of weeks.
Veterinary Medicine Students: a volunteering placement adds to your CV by showcasing your adaptability and your ability to rise to a challenge. It also proves commitment to a time-specified project and reflects well on your passion to work with animals in all settings: all desirable accomplishments to include on that internship or residency application.
Experienced Professionals: looking for the perfect sabbatical or simply to put your experience in veterinary medicine to good use? Then Caribbean veterinary volunteer role is for you! Apply your skills in a hands on way and gain a better understanding of the differences between animal welfare issues in the Caribbean and your home country. Work hard throughout the day, with evenings free to kick back and relax.
With V2 you will:
- Make your experience count – we guarantee you placements in areas of need, with local organisations running sustainable projects. All our projects are devised to assist in practical ways in alliance with partners who tell us how to help them reach their goals.
- Skill development through total immersion - you gain practical skills, strengthen your existing skill base, develop adaptability and learn frameworks to function in underfunded environments. Your time is not wasted.
- A Lifelong Experience – not only will you serve in an underfunded area of need in Animal Welfare, you'll make a lifelong alliance with colleagues, fellow volunteers and us. Animal lovers are some of the most dedicated and loyal people. This will be an experience to promote and share!
- Work & Play – we compliment your active volunteer adventures with dedicated time to relax and explore the island. All our projects are based in scenic settings: coastal, tranquil countryside or near bustling towns. Get to know your environment, connect with people and take adventures. Go have your experience.
- Support: before and during – to get the most out of your experience, you need to hit the ground running. We provide essential support before you leave home. Once here, we are with you for pick up and departure, a day of orientation, followed by on-site support and a dedicated supervisor at your place of volunteering. We've got your back – leaving you to focus on maximising your time.
- Legacy building – when you leave, you join the V2 Volunteer Alumni whose positive impact continues at home. Be an advocate in any way you can. From using your social media channels to promote your volunteer charity to your network, to getting physical with fundraising activities like a Fun Run or collecting old pet care equipment like collars, toys and leads. The good doesn't stop once the plane lands home – we keep that door open with news, developments and suggestions.
