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Brilliant 4.76rating (58)
  • Good Health And Well-Being
  • Life On Land

Veterinary Doctor

location
2 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 23 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Save hundreds of lives, taking care of puppies and kittens and of adult cats and dogs
  • Contribute to the improvement of the health of people and animals of the island through dogs and cats castration
  • Make the difference at our very busy clinic

Highlights

  • Save hundreds of lives, taking care of puppies and kittens and of adult cats and dogs
  • Contribute to the improvement of the health of people and animals of the island through dogs and cats castration
  • Make the difference at our very busy clinic
  • Monitor operated animals during waking up (up to 35 per day)
  • Assist the miracle of recovery of rescued animals
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 23+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    The veterinarian will treat sick animals and, preferably, will also do surgeries and castrations.

    At Simabo's vet clinic we really need help from veterinary doctors!

    Simabo was the first free veterinarian clinic in Cabo Verde. We offer help to the local people who want their dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered, dewormed and treated.

    Skills require

    • To have a university degree of veterinary medicine
    • To

    About the program

    At Simabo's vet clinic we really need help from veterinary doctors!

    Simabo was the first free veterinarian clinic in Cabo Verde. We offer help to the local people who want their dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered, dewormed and treated.

    Skills require

    • To have a university degree of veterinary medicine
    • To be independet and responsible
    • To have organizational and time-management skills
    • To have the ability to relate to other people working on the project in view of the objective
    • To be patient
    • To have a strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality
    • A little sense of humor does not hurt
    • Ability to quickly assimilate and follow instructions
    • Ability to recognize problems and to communicate to the leaders
    • Ability to give your utmost attention to the task in hand
    • To be tolerant, diplomatic, and possess a cooperative spirit
    • To have a willingness to understand a different culture other than their own.
    • Speaking portuguese is helpful (to communicate with the local people) but not essencial

    What to expect?

    • A lot of work to do!
    • You will see a lot of ill and wounded animals, some of them will also die
    • Complete immersion in the local community...

    Tasks

    • To consult dogs and cats at our clinic
    • To consult our animals in our dog and cat shelters
    • To spay/castrate
    • To do other surgeries that are not castrations

    Typical day

    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is usually per shift.

    The clinic is open to the public from 9AM to 1PM and then again from ...

    Typical day

    Information given in the Time Commitment session of this program are only orientative and they are not binding: the free day can be on any day of the week (may be on the weekend, maybe not) and the working time is usually per shift.

    The clinic is open to the public from 9AM to 1PM and then again from 3PM to 6PM, but surgeries are held only during the morning. So your working time will depend on the tasks that are agreed:

    • If you operate, you shold work in the morning. Please be aware that sometimes surgeries are numerous and need to be completed during the lunch time
    • If you don't operate, you will work during the time when the clinic is open, up to the limit of 6 hours a day.
    • You can also be asked to provide consultations in our dog shelter. In these cases you will work in one of the shifts: from 7 am to 12:30 pm or from 12:30 pm to 7 pm.

    In our experience, veterinary doctors are always very motivated and work long hours by their own choice. It is true that they really make a difference to the animals that arrive at the clinic and this is very rewarding.


    NOTES:
    Changes in shifts must be communicated with a week notice and be authorized- changes in shifts can't leave shifts uncovered  

    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hi

    Free-time activities

    The island is famous for its music and its partying vibe! So night activity is guaranteed! 

    On the island you can find a diving center (in town), a windsurfing school and a kitesurfing school. 
    Capoeira is also widely practiced and can be learned with 2 groups in lessons held in the late afternoon.
    Hiking paths are very simple to follow. Every volunteer who likes hiking can't miss visiting the neighboring island, Santo Antao, with its beautiful mountains and trekking paths. 
    If you are not so keen on hiking, you can rent a bicycle, an electrical bicycle or a scooter at local shops.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 23 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 23 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Veterinary Medicine at University degree level

    Required Documents

    passport

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Work experience as a veterinarian is desirable

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:30 - 19:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Airport Pickup at Cesaria Evora International Airport

    Our driver will wait for you in the airport arrival hall with a sign with your name! Driving time to town is about 10 min. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for volunteers is available in single rooms with shared bathroom in our volunteer house or in double or triple rooms with shared bathroom in the hostel. Both are located just a couple of meters away from our clinic, the beach, and the main square of Mindelo. Extra fee is charged for a single room in the hostel.
    Volunteers can prepare their own food in the hostel kitchen, where paying guests are hosted to raise funds for the project.
    At the hostel volunteers can meet any kind of travellers and together they can plan trips, excursions, parties, dinners, anything that makes fun and makes your volunteering time unforgettable. 

    Food & Beverages

    Surgeons that can make at least 10 castrations/day get a pocket money for food and access to the communal kitchen.

    Pocket money for food is not included for veterinarian doctors who come to help but can't castrate at least 10 animals/day.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cesaria Evora International Airport (VXE) in Sao Vicente. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cape Verde. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cape Verde provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Cape Verde you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cape Verde. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We accept veterinary doctor all year around according to availability. Usually we accept one veterinary at a time. 

    The best months to come are from April or mid-July and from the beginning of October to mid-December, because of the temperature and also because of the cost of the flights, that can be expensive in the high season (Christmas, August).
    Carnaval is a highlight of Mindelo's life, volunteers are always welcome at that time of the year. 

    Be prepared to stay in a row for paying the "airport fee" that costs 32 euros. You can avoid this applying via Internet and paying in advance by credit card. All info to accomplish this will be provided in due time. EU citizens are not required to have/pay a visa, only non-EU citizens will have to buy one at the airport for 25 euros. 

    No vaccinations are required nor recommended. Rabies doesn't exist in Cape Verde. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $0 per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 23 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.76
    ・
    58 reviews

    •
    2024
    i always wanted to do veterinary volunteering and I was finally able to carry out this project ay Simabo where I spent 5 weeks. I felt ...
    Christine Salomon ép. Gavet

    Veterinary Doctor

    •
    2023
    Wonderful, challenging and rewarding work as a veterinary surgeon. Plenty of opportunity provided to explore the area around Sao Vincent ...
    •
    2023
    If you are a vet at the beggining of your career, it's the right place to learn. If you're a vet with years of experience it's the best ...
    Elena Berbece

    Veterinary Doctor

    •
    2024
    I spent 3 exciting weeks at Simabo in Cape Verde as a vet with 4 years small animal experience. There were certainly hectic days but the ...
    Jane Campbell

    Veterinary Doctor

    •
    2025
    Ich bin sehr zufrieden, es war eine tolle erfahrung, sehr viele nette und tolle Menschen kennengelernt. Silvia ist super angagierr und hilft ...
    Laura Corleto

    Dog walker

    •
    2024
    Ho fatto una settimana di volontariato al rifugio di Simabo e’ stata un’esperienza veramente bella ,ho conosciuto persone che porterò ...
    Alice Albergucci

    Animal Supporter

    Location

    Africa > Western Africa > Cape Verde > Mindelo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Silvia
    58
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    2008
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, English, Italian, German
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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