Volunteer Veterinarians needed in Mongolia

Volunteer veterinarian working in Mongolia

This volunteer veterinary project helps vets and Nomadic families care for pets and livestock in and around Ulaanbaatar.

For many Mongolians, animals represent their livelihood. Qualified vets often leave for higher wages in bordering countries. You can help Mongolian families care for their animals.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer vets help in Mongolia?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer vets help in Mongolia?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer veterinarian. You can work on tasks such as:

• Helping staff in veterinary hospitals in the city of Ulaanbaatar.
• Treating domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
• Travelling to the steppe (70-200km of land surrounding Ulaanbaatar) to help Nomad families, including:
  • Learning about alternative Mongolian animal treatments.
  • Preparing horses for Nadaam festivals.
  • Treating sick or injured livestock.
• Holding workshops with staff to discuss different treatments.

It is important to note that the Nadaam horse festivals run from 5^th to 15^th July each year. You can still work with Nomad families even if you cannot make those dates, but you will miss out on the festivals.

If you choose to spend time with Nomads then you will live with them in a traditional Mongolian yurt tent. They do not speak much English but you will be provided with a Mongolian phrase book. Our local staff can also help you communicate.

Volunteers working in a veterinary hospital are expected to work Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

This project runs all year round. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

You will learn about a completely different method of animal care and husbandry from anything used in the Western world. Working up close with Nomad families will give you experience of working without modern technology. You will also gain experience of teaching and providing advice from your own work back in your home country.

You will spend a lot of time immersed in local culture, learning about a different way of life. Staff in Ulaanbaatar and your Nomad family will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

Volunteer veterinarian working in Mongolia

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Mongolia is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Mongolian family close to your project or with a Nomad family.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekly quiz night.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have at least a Bachelors Degree in Veterinary Medicine then you are perfectly suited to this project.

Volunteers are also required to register with the local veterinary council to undertake ‘hands on’ work. Our Desk Officer will explain this process as part of our pre-departure support process.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.