OIPA Cameroon is offering an exclusive volunteer veterinary program (for up to 3-5 people) with their mobile vet clinic, the first and only mobile vet clinic in Cameroon. By providing essential veterinary services, including free medical consults, free medical care and sterilization surgeries, our delegation aims to improve the lives of companion and working animals (dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, etc.) as well as the living condition of street animals in both rural and urban communities in Cameroon.

This is an opportunity for experiential learning for both animal activists or professional veterinarians to have hands-on learning and training in the field. Participants will spend a week travelling with the mobile clinic under the guidance and experience of a leader from OIPA Cameroon working in collaboration with ministry of livestock fisheries and animals, Industries and municipal councils.

Other activities carry out during the week may include community training, dog and donkey welfare, and school education programs.

OIPA Cameroon will provide participants with the necessary permits to volunteer in Cameroon.

The project is best suited for a team of 3-5 volunteers and should be comprised of one/two veterinarians, one or more technicians (either licensed or non-licensed) or a vet nurse, and at least one assistant, who can be a university student (vet, pre-vet, and tech), or a general animal lover.

The project fee associated with this veterinary volunteer opportunity is $1100 USD per person. Teams will be able to reserve a specific week by submitting a $200 nonrefundable deposit. A registration and payment link will be provided to applicants, which they will need to complete within 10 days. We require a minimum of 3 volunteers that sign up as a team.  Please ensure you do not have any scheduling conflicts that may impact your participation as deposits and project fees are non-refundable and/or non-transferrable to other trips and/or persons.

What IS included?

• Volunteer kit, including OIPA Cameroon/International logo scrub top
• Accommodations for 8 days and 7 nights (the apartment will be stocked at the beginning of your stay with food for self-made breakfasts, drinks and snacks)
• Trip planning and coordination project itinerary
• Internal airport transfers in Cameroon
• Ground transportation during volunteer activities and veterinary work
• A team group excursion/activity
• Veterinary and volunteer permissions and authorizations, as well as all veterinary equipment

What is NOT included?

• International/domestic flights
• Any meals not specified
• Optional excursions
• Travel insurance
• Health insurance
• Required travel documentation to enter/exit Cameroon (i.e. passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from your initial date of travel, VISA if applicable)
• Incidentals and anything not specifically outlined as included

This is a small animal veterinary service project. For this particular project,’ volunteers/ team can expect to participate in daily clinic activities, conduct health consultations, administer preventative care, perform sterilizations and other types of surgeries, and treat injuries or disease on a case-by-case basis.

Veterinarians

As a veterinarian, you may be involved in the following:

• Performing dog and cat sterilization surgeries
• Conducting health consultations, which may include preventative care, medical diagnosis, and/or treatment
• Performing other surgeries that may be deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis (based on your comfort level and/or ability)
• Providing instruction for your small group team members or local pet owners

The veterinarian volunteer category may be filled by a licensed DVM who is both competent and comfortable in performing routine spay/neuter surgery and medical diagnoses. PLEASE NOTE: We will require copies of veterinary licenses for veterinarians volunteering on this project.

Veterinary Technicians (Licensed and Non-Licensed) | Veterinary Nurses

As a veterinary technician, you will lead and/or be involved in:

• Preparing patients for surgery (surgical prep, monitoring vitals, administering pre-med/induction)
• Administering, monitoring, and managing the anesthesia given to surgical patients
• Monitoring surgical patient recovery and administering post-op care
• Assisting the clinic team with any other daily clinic activities

 “Student” volunteer category may be filled by veterinary students, pre–veterinary students, and veterinary technology students. When applying, please classify your position on the registration form to reflect the student type that you are filling.

Assistants

The assistant volunteer category is open to anyone who loves animals and wants to help. Our assistant position requires no prior experience, just a willingness to learn! Assistants often help in the post operation recovery area and in a variety of miscellaneous duties (based on your skills, experience and comfort level).

For more information and to receive the application form: cameroon@oipa.org, international@oipa.org or call OIPA Cameroon + 237 670706757

OIPA Cameroon is also offering another International Volunteer program, the “Donkey Welfare Project“, which is tailored to spcifically enhance the lives of 6700 donkeys and other working animals and the relationship with their guardians in Bogo Municipality in the Far North Region of Cameroon, through education, training and treatment. This program is also open to vet, technicians, students or individuals. For more information, contact: cameroon@oipa.org