Ravs

[Boxsterluv]

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Has anyone here ever participated in a RAVS (Rural Area Veterinary Services) trip? Or has anyone been accepted to a trip for this upcoming year? I just got accepted to two trips for this summer and am trying to find out more about what really goes on during this things.. Thanks for any input!

 

[laurafinn]

I went on 2 trips last year as a general volunteer (before I started vet school). The trips were so radically different that it seems hard to generalize - I think it depends a lot on the lead vet and vet techs and on the location.

 

[birdvet2006]

I went on the trip to Zuni, NM in August 2005. It was great! But too many students - I didn't get to do as much surgery as I would have liked. However, it's truly not about that. It's about doing community service, and it was wonderful. There, we slept on the ground of a dirty building and showered at the community hospital. Things may change year to year at each location (depends on what the tribe is able to do for you). The people brought us all sorts of yummy food. I really had a great time (it was a 5 day trip). I would volunteer now that I'm a vet, but at the moment don't have the time or money.

 

[birdvet2006]

Here I am spaying a dog at the RAVS trip (typical duct tape name tags!):

 

[nessaf7]

I decided to take a look at their website... its looks like a really neat opportunity! I have a few questions though, for those of you who have volunteered before...

What do volunteers who are pre-vet normally get to do? How much did it cost? Is there anything else like this, that you know of?

thanks!

 

[laurafinn]

What do volunteers who are pre-vet normally get to do? How much did it cost? Is there anything else like this, that you know of?

Pre-vets get to do a little of this, a little of that. In my experience, most of your time is spent with patients in recovery. You might be asked to restrain animals, or liaise with clients waiting to be seen. If you have tech experience you can do a bit more. I think it depends too, on how busy they are, and how many of their own techs they bring along.

For general volunteers (not vet students) it is free. You are responsible for your own travel costs, and usually need to spend a night in a motel before and after. Food is provided, but is pretty basic - you might want to bring along some Clif Bars.

I think some vet schools have something a bit similar - UC Davis had trips to Mexico to spay/neuter street dogs at one point, at least.

 

[birdvet2006]

For general volunteers (not vet students) it is free. You are responsible for your own travel costs, and usually need to spend a night in a motel before and after. Food is provided, but is pretty basic - you might want to bring along some Clif Bars.

It's free for vet students too...or at least it was in summer 2005. You just have to pay for travel costs and bring your own sterile surgery gloves.

 

[Boxsterluv]

It's free for vet students too...or at least it was in summer 2005. You just have to pay for travel costs and bring your own sterile surgery gloves.

Now it is a $200 deposit for vet students, which I think is to ensure that people don't back out at the last minute. So total is $200, travel costs, gloves, and any other required item that you don't have (like a sleeping bag or a mess kit or something like that). Not too bad for an incredible experience!

 

[birdvet2006]

Oh, sorry I guess I did forget about that initial deposit! I lied. 🙂 It does cost!

I like the fact that now I'm a vet and if I want I can go on those trips w/almost no wait list. Now that I don't have time...

 

[thelarson]

Has anyone here done it before vet school? I am a pre-vet student, but if I have veterinary experience, do you think I would fall under the "veterinary assistant" category, so I would actually get to help with medical procedures, or the "other" category (where they list pre-vets), helping mostly with administrative duties or general patient care? Either way, it sounds incredible!

 

[eaglemeag]

Is it too late to apply for one for next summer? I really wanted to do one but was going to look into it later on... once again, seems I've missed the boat!

 

[traxomatic]

it seems like almost all of them are full or have a wait list. i really wanted to do one this summer, too. i guess they fill up fast!