The information below has been provided for you by the supported placement organisation running the placement. You can contact the company for more information using the links at the bottom of this page.
This placement would suit... Volunteers who want to mix working with animals and people. Qualified Vets or veterinary students are very welcome, if however, you are not a veterinary specialist, there is still an important contribution for you to make to the project. Providing a welfare veterinary service to the owners of animals who are unable to afford private veterinary services. Support animal welfare officers to ensure that animals from poorer communities receive the medical attention and care they desperately need. The services offered range from primary veterinary healthcare provision to performing complicated orthopedic surgery. Furthermore, the work can no longer only be viewed in terms of veterinary care but is also a public health issue – playing an important role in ensuring the transmission of diseases from animals to people is minimized. Additionally the charity plays an important role in promoting the vaccination and sterilization of many animals. Due to the success of the services provided, the project has grown and now has permanent clinics as well as mobile units. The principal clinic where volunteers are based is in the Bridgetown/Athlone area; approximately 20 minutes drive from Cape Town. There are an additional 3 mobile units that travel to poorer areas of Cape Town. As a volunteer, there are opportunities to work at both permanent clinics and on the mobile units. After arrival at Cape Town International airport, a local coordinator will meet you and take you to your accommodation. An initial induction will provide you with all the necessary information for living in Cape Town, after which, you’ll be introduced to the project. As you enter the animal charity you will be greeted by a motley gang of grateful rescuees, from geese to donkeys to kittens to dogs of all shapes and sizes. This project does not re-home the animals - rather animals are taken in for medical care and then returned to their owners, unless there is a serious case of abuse, in which case the charity will pass the animal on to a project that deals with re-homing. There are opportunities to get involved with various activities including:
A sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle around Table Mountain, go tasting in the Winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community.
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