Vet Nurse Chang Mai Veterinary Placement

About me and my aims:

Hi, my name is Paula and I've been surrounded by animals and wanted to work with them for as long as I can remember. I began working with dogs and cats aged 13 and began by career as a Veterinary Nurse in 2006. Once I qualified in 2010 I took a keen interest in exotic pets and wildlife. My career has been engaging and my passion for animals has only increased. I have been given an opportunity to expand my experience by helping out at an elephant sanctuary and small animal veterinary practice in Chang Mai, Thailand.

My aim is to gain as much as possible from carrying out my daily job in a fast paced, exciting and very different environment than the one I am used to. I'm hoping I can take my experience to help out animals in need in Thailand, and in turn bring home ideas gained to help out the animals I nurse on a daily basis here. The project iteslf is run directly by the sanctuary- more can be found out here:

http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/enp/en/26-elephant-nature-park-student-vet-volunteer

What the project entails:

Most of my time will be spent assisting the park vets and veterinary staff with the elephants, and I also have the chance to assist at the small animal hospital alongside the park which is mainly used by the local dog rescue. Things I could be expected to do for this part of the placement include assisting with the neutering, vaccinations and basic veterinary care for the rescued dogs.

I am really excited to be able to use my nursing skills in a completely different setting, and seeing how veterinary medicine differs from what I am used to at home. I also get to assist with the daily running of the sanctuary, and tending to the husbandry needs of the park's elephants, as well as visitor education.  

How I can help:

The sanctuary and dog rescue rely on volunteers to give up their time so the park can assist the great number of rescue animals they deal with on a regular basis. I am hoping my nursing skills can be utilised to help care for and improve the quality of life of all the animals I hope to deal with. 

What I am using this money for:

All the money raised will go towards the costs for my placement including flights, transport to and from the park as well as my living costs.

Currently the breakdown of the money I require is:

£1050 for my 3 week placement- this is payable to the sanctuary itself and covers my accommodation, three meals a day and helps raise money towards the upkeep of the park, animals and dog rescue.

£550 for my flight

£400 for transport costs to and from the park from the airport

Any money above and over what I require will be donated to the elephant sanctuary and dog rescue.