FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are we?
HSVMA-RAVS is a mostly volunteer non-profit
animal protection program delivering veterinary medical services and humane
education to under-served rural communities in the United States and throughout
the world. The HSVMA-RAVS program has been operating since 1995, using its original
name, Remote Area Medical Veterinary Volunteer Corps (RAM). In 2002, the
program became a part of The Humane Society
of the United States and became known as Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS). As the Field Services division of the newly organized Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), the program continues to grow and address veterinary needs across the globe.
Windi Wojdak, RVT heads the HSVMA-RAVS program. Dr. Susan Monger directs the programs international projects. Dr. Ahne Simonsen, Erin Ludwig, CVT, administrative assistant Becky Smith and equipment coordinator Brian Ludwig complete the RAVS staff. We are supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, shelter volunteers, educators and people from all sorts of other careers.
What do we do?
The HSVMA-RAVS program combines high quality direct-care veterinary
field clinics with clinical training for future veterinary
professionals to improve the health and welfare of animals
in remote rural communities.
Our projects include free spay/neuter, vaccination and
parasite control services for dogs and cats; routine care
for horses and livestock; and care of sick and injured
animals in rural communities where local veterinary care
is not available. We also provide educational programs
for both adults and children on a variety of topics including
disease prevention, humane animal care and dog bite prevention.
Our professional teaching programs include training for
veterinary and veterinary technician students in medicine
and surgery as well as community education and recognition
of animal health problems in economically disadvantaged
populations.
Through these efforts, HSVMA-RAVS provides care for animals
in need, improves the skills of veterinarians and veterinary
technicians and strives to inspire their future participation
in animal protection efforts.
Where have we been?
In the past 15 years, HSVMA-RAVS has worked on more
than 40 reservations throughout the U.S. and dozens of
Appalachian communities. International expeditions have
included teams working in Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, the Pacific islands
of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Palau, and Guam, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic,
Bimini, Mexico, Romania, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bolivia,
Peru, Chile, El Salvador and Paraguay.
What services does HSVMA-RAVS provide?
HSVMA field clinics provide basic health care services for dogs and cats
including spay/neuter surgery, vaccination programs, parasite treatment
and control programs, various soft tissue surgeries (tumor removal, hernia
repair) and urgent care issues (porcupine quill removal, laceration repair,
etc). In some communities services are also provided for horses and include
humane castration of working horses, lameness work, dental care, vaccination
and parasite control.
Every HSVMA clinic also includes a very important education
component. Presentations for children are provided on
humane pet care, dog bite prevention and the role of veterinary
medicine. Programs for adults generally focus on humane
animal care, disease prevention and the benefits of spay/neuter.
In some remote communities like those in Guatemala, HSVMA-RAVS
veterinarians work with local residents to help them learn
to provide basic health care for animals in their own
communities.
In addition to the regular clinics we operate, we
is committed to the ongoing support for the development
of humane animal care and control programs in the communities
RAVS serves. By providing training and resources to local
community members and administrators, we can assist communities
in achieving large scale improvements in the welfare of
animals in their area.
How many animals do you help?
Each year HSVMA-RAVS provides direct care for over 8,000 animals at
a value of more than $1.5 million, all at no cost to the communities or clients
we serve. In addition, our educational outreach program reaches thousands
of children and adult community members, helping to bring about lasting
improvement in the care and treatment of all animals.
How can I help?
HSVMA-RAVS operates entirely on donations and
grants. Your generous donations allow us to continue to provide these valuable
services. Skilled veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as eager
students and others with or without animal experience, are needed to go
on expeditions or to help with packing equipment and supplies and other
administrative tasks. Donations are tax deductible.
What type of person participates in a HSVMA-RAVS clinic?
Most of our volunteers are veterinary and veterinary
technician students with a sense of adventure and a dedication
to helping animals. Experienced veterinarians and technicians
who enjoy teaching are always needed as well as humane
educators and animal care and control professionals. But
enthusiastic volunteers from any field are welcome. Some
of our most successful volunteers have had no previous
veterinary experience. Energy, compassion and commitment
are the most important qualifications.
For more information visit our Volunteer Opportunities pages.
What is a typical field clinic like?
A typical RAVS field clinic will include 15-30 student volunteers
and 5-10 veterinarians and technicians who together will conduct one or
two clinics a day. Trips last anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks. In a two week tour we may perform
up to 300 surgeries and administer thousands of vaccinations and other treatments.
What is the volunteer experience like?
Under the supervision of experienced veterinarians and
technicians, veterinary and veterinary technician students
examine animals, perform and assist in surgeries, monitor
anesthesia, and present educational programs, among other
tasks. Other volunteers help check in patients, talk with
local children about animal care and safety, help care for
animals awaiting treatment, prepare surgical instruments
and much more.
Volunteers work long hours in often less than ideal conditions.
The clinic environment can be hectic and stressful. Lodging
usually consists of a sleeping bag on a gym floor and
luxuries like running water are not always available.
It can be extremely challenging work, but the reward of
helping so many animals and people in need can not be
measured.
The HSVMA-RAVS field experience provides veterinary students and others with experience and training in a wide range of clinical skills. But, just as important, is the training students receive in initiative and self reliance, qualities not taught in the classroom. We believe that future veterinarians need to know that it is right to come to the aid of animals in need, simply because it is the ethical thing to do. Many RAVS volunteers return after graduation to volunteer their time and to train new students.
Is HSVMA-RAVS the program for me?
The RAVS volunteer experience is unique in a number of
ways. For the right person it can be an amazing and rewarding
opportunity. But field medicine in not for everyone. The
hours are long, the work is hard. Volunteers must be able
to work and learn in a fast-paced, often stressful, environment.
For more details on the volunteer experience, visit our
Volunteer Opportunities
pages.
What schools do student volunteers come from?
Veterinary students from over 30 universities
throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and
the U.K. have participated in clinics operated by the
HSVMA-RAVS program. Many of these institutions offer academic
credit for participation.
Can HSVMA help me find veterinary services for
my animal?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide veterinary advice
or services to individuals via telephone or email and
cannot arrange veterinary care for animals outside of
our scheduled community clinics. For information on discounted
veterinary services or spay/neuter clinics in your area,
please contact your local humane society or animal control
service for recommendations.
How can I contact HSVMA-RAVS ?
Learn more about the HSVMA or make an online donation at www.hsvma.org
For website questions or problems contact the HSVMA-RAVS Web
Administrator
All other inquiries: Email: wwojdak@hsvma.org
Mailing address:
Windi Wojdak, RVT
Director, HSVMA-RAVS
P.O. Box 1589 Felton, CA 95018
Phone: 831-335-4827 FAX: 831-335-4828
© 2013 The Humane
Society Veterinary Medical Association