Volunteer position available in Paramaribo, Suriname!
The Global Alliance for Animals and People is looking for a veterinary surgeon to volunteer his/her
time on a spay/neuter/vaccination campaign to help out a shelter in Paramaribo and outlying villages
in Suriname.
The position:
The position will be for a duration of two weeks and the shelter will pay for your flight (up to a
maximum of $750 USD, lodging and food. The candidate must have extensive experience in surgical
techniques, injectable anesthetics and be comfortable doing at least 10 surgeries per day in a
campaign type of setting. Confidence and experience with less than perfect settings, possible
complications, and working in remote campaigns is definitely an asset and flexibility is essential! The
campaigns will take place within the next 3 months (no fixed date until a surgeon has been
confirmed).
The shelter:
It is owned and funded by the Surinamese SPCA (Stichting Dierenbescherming Suriname) and
focuses on stray dogs and cats. It was founded in 2001, building completed in 2008, 6 Board
Members, 2-3 full time employees plus volunteers. It is the only shelter in the country, and there are
few veterinarians available to help them. The shelter houses 60-80 dogs and 20-30 cats which are
all up for adoption.
Website: www.dierenbeschermingsuriname.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StgDierenbeschermingSu
The set-up:
There is one lay technician at the shelter that will assist in anesthesia, pre and post sx prep and
care, and an additional technician that assists on remote campaigns (away from the shelter). There
is a surgery suite in the shelter with an adjustable sx table, autoclave and air conditioning.
They use injectable anesthesia (medetomidine, ketamine, buprenorphine) but there is no oxygen or
volatile anesthetic machine available.
The volunteer vet will be the only veterinarian working during this 2 week position, unless there is
time to go to the outlying villages, during which time they may be joined by one of the Surinamese
veterinarians. The lodging will be at a small apartment in Paramaribo North.
What do you need?
You need to bring your experience, good spirits and willingness to help out, plus a tolerance for hard
work, hot climate and mosquitos!
More about the location:

Language spoken: English and Dutch (national language)

Shelter animals are in good condition for the most part and are dewormed and vaccinated
ahead of time

Animals in villages are in variable conditions

Challenges: increased hemorrage due to prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasma, late term
pregnancies, pyometras

A tourist visa is required for most visitors (do not mention WORK or it will require 3 months to
get the visa- apply as visitor only!)

It is a tropical climate with average temperatures 25-30 C.
To apply- please send your CV and a letter of intent detailing your relevant experience and interest
in this position.
If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected]