Expedition: Costa Rica.

Explore Costa Rica while providing much needed veterinary care for local dogs! This unique AEI Experience is taking a team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians to work alongside local vets, while exploring the sites of beautiful Costa Rica.

More than a million stray dogs roam the streets of Costa Rica, in addition to the countless free-roaming zaguates (mutts) that have owners, but are cared for by members of the community where they are allowed to run free. As in many places in the world, this high number of feral and stray dogs creates health problems for the animals - diseases and parasites are a common occurrence as well as malnourishment and injuries. The solution is simple: educate dog owners and the public, rescue dogs from the streets, and provide veterinary care, including spaying and neutering when possible. Luckily local organizations are addressing these problems head-on. Our team will spend three days in different communities assisting with sterilization surgeries and supporting the amazing work of these dedicated people. Be prepared for a challenging experience – field medicine at its best, under hot and humid conditions. But this will be incredibly rewarding, exhilarating work and provides a tremendous service to vulnerable communities.

When not at the clinics, we will be spending a day volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation centre that cares for native monkeys and sloths. This non-profit organization built their rehabilitation centre in 2005 to care for sick, injured and orphaned animals, and then opened a sanctuary to house the animals that could not be released back into the wild. Depending on the animals in care, our volunteer activities may include maintenance of facilities (cleaning, repairing, building or enriching cages, trails, enclosures, etc.), diet preparation and enrichment, behavioral observations, and health monitoring. Our activities will be rounded off with a day of white water rafting and lots of free time to explore the area and drink in the local culture. All of the details will be taken care of for you by our team – enjoy this customized adventure that features the best the country has to offer, while making a difference for the animals and communities in Costa Rica.

All of the services that we provide will be free of cost to the community, all of your fees will be going to support local vet (domestic and wildlife) clinics and helping provide treatment and care for all animals, no questions asked.

Hosts: Jorge Esquivel was born and raised in Costa Rica. He is a white water kayaking national champion and won the “2014 Best Guide” award for whitewater rafting with Outside Magazine. Dr. Steele is a Canadian veterinarian who has extensive experience in high volume spay/neuter clinics and field medicine.

Itinerary:

Day 1: The team arrives in beautiful Costa Rica! Transport from San Jose International airport to our host town: Manuel Antonio. Team building dinner together.

Day 2: Day clinic in Quepos! The team will split into two groups with free time in am or pm providing spay/neuter services and vet care for our local rescue clinic partner: PAWS. Breakfast and lunch as a team.

Day 3: Second day clinic in Quepos. The team will again split into two groups with free time in am or pm providing spay/neuter services and vet care for our local rescue clinic partner: PAWS. Breakfast and lunch as a team.

Day 4: Kids Saving the Rain Forest rescue center visit and volunteer day! The team will go to a sloth/monkey sanctuary and spend the day volunteering with the animals and in the education centre.  This beautiful sanctuary specializes in the care of injured monkeys and sloths. Breakfast, lunch and dinner as team.

Day 5: Day clinic in El Silencio a small community along the beautiful Savegre River. The team will be working with the local community to make sure that all animals: cats, dogs and maybe even goats get the care and treatment. Breakfast, lunch and dinner as a team.

Day 6: Third day clinic in Quepos. The team will split into two groups with free time in am or pm providing spay/neuter services and vet care for our local rescue clinic partner: PAWS. Breakfast and lunch as a team.

Day 7: Free day and white water rafting on the Savegre River.

Day 8: Last breakfast as a team, say our good byes to our hosts, team mates, friends and now Costa Rican family. Transport back to San Jose international airport.

Includes: Airport pick up and drop off, accommodation, most meals, on-site training, donation to Placement Partners, AEI Travel Manual, Partner Organization’s volunteer handbook, American and Canadian clients get 50% off at the online AEI IceBreaker store, Emergency support while at Placement, Carbon credits to offset 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to $500, 000 USD in emergency medical coverage), Travel discounts (through automatic membership to a volunteer only travel discount program), 24/7 Travel and emergency assistance.  Are you thinking of fundraising for a portion, or all your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. To learn more about their successful fundraising projects and see how you can fund raise for your experience, please visit our fundraising page! Are you nervous about travel and your safety? It's okay, travelling and volunteering can be overwhelming, that is why we exist! To help you travel safe, volunteer smartly and get back home in one piece. To read more about how we help you stay safe, please read our Guide to Safety.

Excludes: Flights, Entry visa costs, International and domestic airport taxes, Immunizations and medications.

Note: the rabies vaccine is required for this Experience, the average cost is $600- $1000 in North America.

Accommodation: A locally owned hotel in the heart of beautiful Costa Rica. You will be living the pura vida during this epic adventure with Dr. Lesley and Jorge: the best rafting guide in the world!! 

Classification of Placement: Medical: Advanced and Specialized.

We are looking for qualified Medical Professionals and students for this experience. The minimum number of participants on this Expedition is 5, the maximum number is 14. 

OAVTThis is an official pre-approved OAVT Partnership. All participants are eligible for a minimum of 5 Continuing Education credits.
Trip Cost
 
2 Dates
Price (IN CANADIAN DOLLARS)
15 May 2016 $ 2970
11 November 2016 $ 2970
Groups of 5 or more: 10% off individual fees.