Travel and Volunteer
Traveling in Asia is certainly a challenge. In some areas the spectre of widespread human hunger, sickness and suffering is something many visitors will never forget. For many of us, the plight of the animal population is also distressing. Whilst many aid agencies are providing effective humanitarian assistance, not so many attach a high priority to animal welfare. Encouragingly, animal welfare and veterinary projects have become established in the last few years. Your efforts as a volunteer veterinarian will help in many ways to continue the work of these pioneering programs.
Safety
Although thousands of foreigners travel safely in Asia every
year, sensible precautions should be taken. Vets Beyond Borders cannot accept
responsibility for your personal safety, should you decide to come to Asis
to volunteer. Government websites should be visited to obtain up-to-date travel
warnings:
• The Australian Government's Smart traveller advisory and consular assistance service.
• USA Bureau of Consular Affairs
• UK Foreign Office
• The Australian Government's Smart traveller advisory and consular assistance service.
• USA Bureau of Consular Affairs
• UK Foreign Office
Medical Information
Contact your doctor before planning the trip, to obtain
current advice on appropriate vaccination and medication, especially Rabies
and Hepatitis vaccination. Please take out comprehensive travel medical insurance
as there are no other provisions for medical cover under the terms of this
volunteer program.
Heed medical advice for travelers to Asia to minimise the risk of preventable illness. The old maxim, “don’t drink the water”, is certainly true.
Heed medical advice for travelers to Asia to minimise the risk of preventable illness. The old maxim, “don’t drink the water”, is certainly true.
What to Bring with You
Clothing
Many Asian cultures are quite modest. Please do not wear shorts and singlets. Long thin cotton trousers or skirts and loose fitting cool cotton tops with sleeves are appropriate in summer. Warmer clothes may be required in winter or in high altitude regions. A hat is essential especially in summer. Clothing may be purchased cheaply and is usually locally manufactured, so perhaps travel light and take home some new clothes as souvenirs.
Personal Items
Good quality mosquito repellent should be brought from home. Toiletries can be purchased in Asia. Any personal medication, eye glasses and contact lenses should be brought with you, including a repeat prescription for medication and eyeglasses incase of loss whilst overseas.
Books
English bookshops exist in many large towns and cities. A good book makes those travel delays more bearable.
Veterinary Equipment
By all means bring your favourite surgical kit or needle holders. Stethoscope and scrub top would be helpful. Most programs rely on donations so if you are able to collect donated goods and equipment to transport to the program- fantastic. Please contact them first to make find out what they need. Sometimes 40 bottles of expired cattle antibiotics are of no use to a dog program!
Many Asian cultures are quite modest. Please do not wear shorts and singlets. Long thin cotton trousers or skirts and loose fitting cool cotton tops with sleeves are appropriate in summer. Warmer clothes may be required in winter or in high altitude regions. A hat is essential especially in summer. Clothing may be purchased cheaply and is usually locally manufactured, so perhaps travel light and take home some new clothes as souvenirs.
Personal Items
Good quality mosquito repellent should be brought from home. Toiletries can be purchased in Asia. Any personal medication, eye glasses and contact lenses should be brought with you, including a repeat prescription for medication and eyeglasses incase of loss whilst overseas.
Books
English bookshops exist in many large towns and cities. A good book makes those travel delays more bearable.
Veterinary Equipment
By all means bring your favourite surgical kit or needle holders. Stethoscope and scrub top would be helpful. Most programs rely on donations so if you are able to collect donated goods and equipment to transport to the program- fantastic. Please contact them first to make find out what they need. Sometimes 40 bottles of expired cattle antibiotics are of no use to a dog program!
