Animal volunteering project on the islands of Samoa

For this 3 week project we will continue the work we started in January 2009 on the islands of Samoa with local animal protection organizations, Animal Protection Society of Apia (Western Samoa) and the American Samoa Humane Society of Pago Pago (American Samoa) to create a sustainable strategy for dog management and help reduce their ever-growing dog population.

The project will run from February 22nd until March 13th 2010.

Volunteers are needed to join this project which will take on between 8 and 25 people. Volunteers cover their own flights, accommodation and other needs. Where possible, and because we have good relations on the islands, we can get discounts quite easily and go to places that no other tourist visits.

We undertake sterilization projects for cats and dogs, and our standard of care is equal to that of the US, even if the surgery is performed outside the clinic. Volunteers work very long hours, starting at around 7.30 am and working until all the animals have gone home, which is usually at dusk.

We work as a team. The team is split into divisions; reception and discharge, surgery, recovery, pick up and drop off and all round helpers who can jump to any task needed. We take lunch and breaks when we can. The animals care always comes first. The projects are very hard work, long hours, in very hot conditions and often in very basic surroundings. These projects are not for everyone, you need to be totally 100% committed to the animals.

If you have not worked on a MASH unit before or handled animals, we advise you volunteer for a while before you come on a project. If you have not traveled too much before, it does not mean that you cannot come on a project, we just ask that you have an open mind and understand that you will go through a culture shock, but at the same time be expected to perform your tasks.

Please consider applying, but at the same time, please think very carefully about what this entails: We are a very dedicated group of people who stop at nothing to help the animals and people. We do work in wonderful locations and do experience the beauty, the animals and extraordinary kindness of the communities. But we also work without complaint when there is drought, when there is torrential rain, when we have to sit in the back of a pick up for 2 hours holding onto dogs, when we miss lunch, when we feel like we want to quit….we keep going for the animals!

We are looking for Vets, RVT’s Animal Technicians, animal handlers, volunteers who are great at fixing things on a budget, translators, educators, community outreach folks and people who love animals and understand the critical need of these projects.

Warning. If you come on an Animal Balance project you may want to return, it’s addictive!!

Thank you for your interest in helping the animals, and do get in touch with us.

Animal Balance is a non-profit organization of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants and volunteers. We come together to create sterilization clinics on islands around the world.

Animal Balance works on islands where there is either a threat to bio-diversity due to the introduction of cats and dogs, or where there is an over-population problem and the community is unable to afford to sterilize and treat their pets.

Animal Balance only believes in using humane methods to solve these problems. Our strategy is to work collaboratively with the community, providing the tools and training necessary for the programs to be sustainable.