WSAVA volunteer scheme for vets and nurses

WSAVA volunteer scheme

On behalf of SAVA-CVC, I organise mobile veterinary clinics that serve deprived communities; it relies on veterinary staff volunteering their time. I also own Hatfield Bird and Animal Hospital, a busy practice in Pretoria East.

Judging by the experience of others who have volunteered with us, it will be a life-changing experience, giving those involved a unique opportunity to see the real South Africa and to meet the ordinary people who make it such a special country. They will make a difference every day they are with us, assisting at three CVC clinics around Pretoria in Gauteng province, which is the smallest province in South Africa, but also our most populous.

What volunteers do

Volunteers working in the mobile clinics take part in the activities they feel most comfortable with, including parasite control, vaccination and neutering, with as much support from an experienced CVC vet as they need. They will also be able to help with our education outreach – talking to owners about pet care is a key aspect of SAVA-CVC's work.

Most of the clinics are run by one or two supervising vets and two lay people, who are often community members. When veterinary volunteers are also available to help, CVC is able to offer a much higher level of service, especially when it comes to explaining common health problems and the reasons for sterilisation, as well as offering primary healthcare to the maximum number of animals. It is not uncommon for between 50 and 150 pets to be brought along to a two- to three-hour clinic.

Although the focus is on primary healthcare, vets are often required to assist with clinical cases: babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are common, as well as distemper and parvovirus. Injuries are also seen, and usually include wounds and dog bites. With the low level of parasite control in these areas, severe cases of verminosis, tick and flea infestations and fly bitten ears are not uncommon. It is easy to distinguish the owners who bring their pets to the clinic regularly.

WSAVA outreach
Talking to owners about pet care is a key aspect of SAVA-CVC's work

 

CVC does not have the resources to deliver much more than primary healthcare so, if it cannot assist with a particular case, the owner is referred to the closest animal welfare facility.

Facilities vary depending on the location and WSAVA volunteers will experience a variety of clinics – some clinics are conducted under a tent (gazebo) on a vacant piece of land. Others use existing community facilities, perhaps a sheltered area with a tap.

Most volunteers find that the experience challenges their preconceived ideas about South Africa. Some are surprised at how much the people love their animals and that animal care is only limited by lack of knowledge and the available resources. The common perception that townships are dangerous no-go areas is also untrue. While, of course, it is sensible to be careful and aware of your surroundings, experience shows that the people are invariably welcoming and friendly.
 

"You will make a significant contribution to the pets and people who rely on vets for their wellbeing"


Volunteering is also an emotional experience, such as the uplifting moments when volunteers provide vital help or relief, although, inevitably, there will be difficult moments too. It seems that one of the hardest things to realise that you can only do so much, although communities are grateful for what can be done.

It's not all work

Volunteers are vital to the survival of the service and leisure time is important too. Helpers benefit from visits and tours, which might include a visit to SAVA's headquarters at Vethouse, Onderstepoort, the Veterinary Academic Hospital and the National Veterinary Museum. The programme ends with a two-night stay at the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve.

If you've already signed up to attend the world congress, why not think about joining one of the WSAVA's outreach schemes? Not only will you gain a real insight into South African society, but you will make a significant contribution to the pets and people who rely on vets for their wellbeing.

Further details on the 2018 outreach progam can be found here

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