Vets Beyond Borders offers veterinary volunteer opportunities
Press release
11 June 2008
By Dr Beth McGennisken – BVSc graduate 1997
Project Manager
S.A.R.A.H. (Sikkim Anti Rabies & Animal Health) Programme, Gangtok, India
Vets Beyond Borders (VBB), previously known as Vetcharity, is an Australian-based, not-for-profit organisation established by veterinary volunteers in 2003.
VBB coordinates and runs veterinary based animal welfare and public health programs in developing communities of the Asia and Pacific region.
VBB works with local governments and organisations to establish effective veterinary programmes. Clinical training is provided to indigenous veterinary personnel so that long term sustainability is ensured. Volunteer veterinarians and nurses work alongside local staff and help to develop their skills.
VBB currently has two projects in India requiring experienced veterinary volunteers: The Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) Programme, and the Ladakh Street Dog Project.
The Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) Programme is located in Gangtok (Sikkim) in the Himalaya region of north east India. VBB in collaboration with the Sikkimese state government is conducting a state wide animal birth control and anti-rabies project.
To date more than 11,000 dogs have been sterilised and more than 20,000 rabies vaccinations administered. Volunteers are assured of a memorable and rewarding experience working with local staff in remote regions of Sikkim. This is a unique opportunity to experience Sikkimese culture and hospitality. For further information please contact programme manager - beth.mcgennisken@vetsbeyondborders.org
The Ladakh Street Dog Project is located at Leh (Ladakh) in the north west of India. This is a high altitude region of incredible beauty nestled between the Karrokoram range in the north and the Himalayan range to the south. The area is very popular with international trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. VBB works with local animal shelter ‘Ladakh Animal Care Society’ to provide veterinary volunteers for the animal birth control project.
This project runs through the summer months from June to September. In two summers more than 1,500 dogs have been sterilised and this has helped to significantly reduce the population of stray dogs in the area. For further information please contact project coordinator - jperry@vetsbeyondborders.org
Further information about Vets Beyond Borders can be found on the website at www.vetsbeyondborders.org. Please consider becoming a member or volunteering to assist these important projects.
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au