Gain excellent work experience in a veterinary clinic in Knysna. You'll assist in the Clinic itself and also with field work, which can include anything from rescuing abused or abandoned animals, to flea dipping. In addition, you'll help with the rehoming process, i.e. helping with the many dogs and cats, who, after a quarantine period, de-worming, dipping, feeding, and health checks, will (hopefully) be up for adoption.

You can also assist in the mobile clinic that goes to the township. This Animal Welfare clinic is the only animal rescue centre in Knysna ... and they are inundated with work!.

Knysna has a huge problem with neglected and abused animals in the townships that also need to be sterilised. The clinic has a qualified veterinarian so any volunteer that is either a qualified vet or studying to be a vet would be a HUGE help. As an intern, you'll have a wide range of experiences on this project, all depending on your level of experience.

Generally, you'll:

  • Assist in the veterinary clinic stitching sutures, cleaning wounds, assisting with animal sterilisation and other surgeries
  • Assist with flea dipping and de-worming when the clinic is quiet
  • Assist in health checks on animals.

You'll assist in the several clinics that are run on a daily basis, where dipping, de-worming, vaccinations and general duties relating to the well being of animals are addressed. At these clinics, the needy public is also provided with healthy food packages for their dogs and cats.

The clinics are operated from the back of vans, and although rudimentary in terms of "mobile hospitals", the job nonetheless is professionally executed, regardless of limitations.

ACCOMODATION:

The volunteer house in Knysna is within walking distance of the town, yet set against a natural green belt. Often the local Vervet monkey troop comes onto the verandahs to visit to entertain the volunteers with their antics. The sunset views from the top balcony of the volunteer house of the Knysna lagoon are beautiful.

The house is large and spacious with free WiFi. Facilities include a kitchen kitted out for cooking, dining area, a few bathrooms, TV, DVD player, free Wi-Fi, garden and several wooden verandahs.

There is an outside courtyard and garden in the secure grounds where you can have a typical South African barbeque known there as a ‘braai’. Make sure you try the local spicy sausage known as ‘boerewors’(my favourite!)

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.