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Neutered dogs can’t breed and are less likely to stray onto the roads in search of other dogs. Even the local authorities have noticed the reduction in car accidents due to dogs on the road. Furthermore the vaccination campaign means the dogs enjoy better health and longer lives, while the risk of disease transmission to the nearby wildlife is heavily reduced. The positive effects of the programme do not end with the benefits to local wildlife brought about by a reduction in population numbers and disease incidence: rural societies in the local area have also benefited, and will continue to do so as the campaign gathers pace. As a volunteer, you will enjoy field trips to surrounding villages in the middle of the African wilderness and a chance get up close and personal with some of the continent’s most iconic species. With this project, every day is different and the voluntary roles encompass a wide variety of responsibilities. Some days you’ll find yourself at the clinic assisting the vets as they neuter a seemingly endless supply of dogs brought in by our clinic staff. On other days you’ll be out in the bush helping the vets as they operate in the field, or humanely trapping feral cats for the SteriVac campaign. As a volunteer you will be involved in all the daily activities including: Animal Care, food preparation, water and monitor animals, dog walking, clipping claws, bathing/dipping/general grooming, cleaning kennels and bedding, clean and disinfect work surfaces, monitoring post-op animals, administering oral or topical medication, administering tick/flea/parasite medication, clinic administration, instrument sterilization, completion of vaccination record books, etc A voluntary position on this project will help you experience some of the practical aspects of the theory provided during the following Animal Jobs Direct courses:ยท Professional Rescue Dog Handler, Animal Care, Welfare and Husbandry, Professional Pet Care and Veterinary Practice Assistant, Professional Pet Sitter, Professional Dog Home Boarder, Companion Animal First Aid Course, Canine Studies, Canine Aggression, Dog Grooming, Professional Dog Walker, Professional Kennel Operator, Canine First Aid and Canine Care. Furthermore, all volunteers who demonstrate a satisfactory ability will receive a certificate of achievement and a written reference from one of the organisation’s Executive Committee Members to assist you with future job hunting. Conditions in Botswana can be extremely challenging, and much of the work is done in the ‘bush’ with rudimentary facilities. Some less experienced volunteers can find this a little overwhelming. Volunteers are also liable to witness animals in a condition which can prove traumatic – it is not unusual to encounter seriously injured animals, or animals in an advanced state of malnutrition. It is not always able to help these animals apart from to humanely euthanise them to relieve their suffering. The veterinarians also have to make the difficult choice between performing late term abortions on animals, or allowing yet more puppies and kittens to be born into an environment that does not have the capacity to adequately care for them. This can also be distressing for our volunteers. All applicants must be aware of these issues and must acknowledge them in their application letter as the organization must ensure all volunteers are aware of the everyday issues of providing animal welfare in Africa. However, please note that despite the above, all animals are treated as per international standards and receive the optimum doses of anaesthetics and analgesics to ensure a painless experience during treatment and operations. Eligibility is as follows: 18 years or older, fluent in English, proven animal care capability/satisfactory completion of Animal Jobs Direct courses, an aptitude for team work, sense of humour, fit and healthy, not squeamish. This project prefers to host a maximum of two volunteers at any one time. However we do make exceptions so if you wish to travel as part of a wider team, please let us know. Project price includes: Transfers to and from the airport, orientation upon arrival accommodation, meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, full support and assistance from your programme coordinator, certification of achievement and written. Self-catering accommodation is provided in the cottage, which is located in the grounds of one of our members. Laundry facilities are available at your accommodation. During outreach campaigns accommodation will vary and volunteers should be prepared to camp if necessary. Not included: Flights, personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement (must include cover for repatriation), vaccinations, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and snacks, excursions. Personal medical and travel insurance for the duration of your placement – please note, this must include cover for repatriation. You will be working in the vicinity of wild animals so please check with your insurance provider as you may require particular insurance. All the money donated to this volunteering programme goes directly back into the organisation and provides further medicines for the domestic animal population as well as employment and education for a number of the local Batswana community.
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