Bocas del Toro Panama

How much does it cost?

The program fee varies depending on the role you're filling. In an effort to keep these trips accessible to as many people as possible, the program fee primarily covers the trip expenses. If you have the means to add an additional donation to your registration, amazing! All donations go directly to providing care to animals on this and future trips. The program fee is refundable up to 90 days prior to the start of the vetscursion. Vetscursions is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit so all program fees and donations are considered charitable donations. Consult with an accountant for advice on tax filing.

What's included:

• Vetscursions t-shirt

• Lodging for 8 days and 7 nights

• Light meals for breakfast and lunch on clinic days

• Local transportation for clinic days

• Volunteer paperwork/authorization

• Planning and support from the Vetscursions team before and during the trip

A small portion of funding is set aside to support local charities and for future veteirnary care provided by Vetscursions.

Lodging:

XXX

The exact lodging venue may change depending on the needs of the group. Volunteers will be notified if any changes occur.

What's not included:

• Airfare

• Individual transportation for non-Vetscursion travel (eg rental car or taxis)

• Optional adventures or excursions

• Health and travel insurance

• Dinners and meals on non-clinic days

• Passport and other travel documentation (a visa is not required for Americans traveling to Aruba)

• Incidentals and anything not listed as included

What we do!

Veterinarians:

Surgical veterinarians will primarily be at the operating table spaying and castrating dogs and cats. You're the star of the show and everyone else is going to be working to keep you busy. Non-surgical veterinarians will be overseeing patient prep and recovery areas which will include examination of all animals, identification of any medical concerns, prescribing appropriate treatment as available, and advising the rest of the volunteers on appropriate care of animals. We make an effort to rotate our surgeons to get breaks away from the operating table. You may not be at the surgery table 100% of the time!

Veterinary technicians and experienced veterinary assistants:

Experienced veterinary nurses will be running the prep, surgery, and recovery areas. You will be injecting anesthetics, administering medications, prepping patients for surgery, and providing any other general medical care as needed under the guidance of the veterinary team. You may be asked to help guide volunteers that don't have significant veterinary experience.

Veterinary assistants and non-veterinary volunteers AKA Support Crew:

Not much experience with high-volume clinics or veterinary medicine in general? That's ok! We're happy you're here. You may help in any of the areas at the clinic including intake, patient prep, surgery, recovery, instrument cleaning and sterilization, and general animal care. There's plenty to do and many hands make light work!

Philanthropists

Looking for a way to give back while experiencing a meaningful and inspiring adventure? Joining us as a Philanthropist is perfect for generous supporters who want to contribute to Vetscursions’ mission while enjoying the flexibility of an ethical, purpose-driven vacation.

Philanthropists are welcomed as honored guests on our trips—invited to participate in group activities, visit field clinics, and engage with the communities we serve, all at their own pace. You’ll have access to curated cultural experiences, behind-the-scenes insights into our veterinary outreach, and the freedom to relax, explore, or recharge as you choose. This option is ideal for individuals who want to make a lasting impact through their support while enjoying a thoughtfully balanced and enriching travel experience.

What's next?

Once you pay your program fee and register to this event, we'll email you with more information about the trip including pre-departure checklists, lodging and transportation details, an itinerary, and any additional required documentation.

Please reach out to us at hello@vetscursions.org if you have any questions!