Ready to Volunteer?
Volunteers are essential to the success of the PASH project. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of Fiji’s domestic animals and to educate Fiji’s population on the care of its animals and the human-animal bond that brings comfort to the animals and the people who care for them.
You make a living by what you get
You make a life by what you give
Do you want to visit us in Fiji and contribute to PASH as a Vet or Vet Nurse?
We use a partner provider Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) for all visiting vets and nurses. Please apply to volunteer via their website using the link below.
All information below is from the website, they may have further requirements therefore please contact them directly if you have any questions.
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Volunteer FAQs
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Most rescue animals come from the streets where they have been thrown away or simply born into a situation where undernourished or ill mothers, through no fault of their own, are often unable to care for them. Many of these animals have faced starvation, dehydration, injury, illness and often abuse. They have survived an extremely difficult life. It is our job to change that and to give them the life they deserve.
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If you want to, yes!
This might include play time, walking, brushing. Enrichment and care for shelter animals is really important to their wellbeing and they’ll love the attention!
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99% of our volunteers will need to help the staff scoop the poop. This is a major part of supporting the animal shelter and providing healthy environments for our resident four legged friends living at PASH. Don’t worry our team will show you the ropes!
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No qualifications are necessary to volunteer at PASH. However, we do prefer volunteers who have either owned a pet or cared for pets long term.
Our team takes you through an induction phase when you arrive at PASH so that we can explain practices that are most useful to our caregivers and the animals. We also provide checklists so you know when you're at PASH you are truly contributing with every minute you spend here.
In the very few circumstances where we may have an aggressive dog at our facility, volunteers will not be permitted to handle those animals. They are only handled by trained staff.
To maintain our commitment to boarding animals and their owners, only our team interact with boarders.
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We pride ourselves on being flexible and can work with you to find a time and day that is mutually beneficial.
Naturally, we strive to have volunteers on site when they can be most effective and can complete work that best assists animals and caregivers. We prefer to create a regular slot for a five week-minimum basis so we can provide training and you can feel at ease with duties and be sure you are making a positive impact.
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When working directly with animals, cleaning and feeding can be messy work - especially with some of our younger residents (puppies and kittens)! We will expect that you help out during your time here to maintain the facility in a clean and neat manner. Should you see an area where an animal has pooped or peed or just needs tidying up, that has not yet been attended to, please assist. Keeping the areas clean makes everything better for the animals and the people!
We suggest wearing clothes that are neat and tidy but those that you aren't afraid to dirty. We also recommend bringing a water bottle, a hat and wearing closed in shoes.
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Absolutely not. We appreciate your time and value your contribution as a human to the shelter and the animals we all care for. If you do wish to make a monetary contribution, we are more than appreciative and our site manager can assist you.
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Yes absolutely.
We have plenty of other work that assists our animals and care givers that contributes positively that we'd love your help with.
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Yes. We take donations both in kind and in monetary form. Please see our website or speak to our practice manager for our priorities list that you may be able to assist with.
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While there is a never ending list of tasks you can help us with, some of the common ones are checking water dishes, helping with laundry, washing dishes, facility cleaning to name a few.
Our volunteers love animals and they have a willing attitude. Volunteers at PASH are open to learning and can follow instructions. Our volunteers love Fiji and aren't afraid to get a little dirty. They are wonderful humans committed to safe practices and are always willing to chip in. If this sounds like you, we'd love to meet you. Fill out our volunteer application now and we'll be in touch shortly!
What makes a great volunteer?
Do you want to visit us in Fiji and contribute to PASH as a Vet or Vet Nurse?
We use a partner provider Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) for all visiting vets and nurses. Please apply to volunteer via their website using the link below.
All information below is from the website, they may have further requirements therefore please contact them directly if you have any questions.
Make it
Located on the main island of Viti Levu in the Fiji Islands is the first modern, purpose-built animal hospital. The Pacific Animal Shelter and Hospital (PASH) is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of the animals of Fiji. We are looking for experienced vets and nurses to volunteer for a minimum 1 week period throughout the year.
Cost
£100 WVS contribution
+ Flights
+ Insurance
+ Food
+ Vaccinations
+ Visas
Please note that WVS (World Veterinary Services) the site that hosts our Volunteer Vet Program requires the mandatory fee listed above.
Visit Us.
Spend time in the beautiful Fiji Islands and contribute to Animal Welfare. Volunteer as a Vet at PASH today and experience a meaningful vacation. Click the button below to be redirected to WVS where you can apply to volunteer.
Vet & Vet Nurse Volunteer
Positions Available.
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Surgeries are sterilisations, tumors (common in Fiji) and sadly there are always injuries due to RTA's as well as various other injuries.
General checkups, vaccinations and treatments will also be required.
Medical protocols will be reviewed with volunteers by the resident vet upon arrival.
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The clinic is open to the public from Tuesday - Saturday 8am to 5pm. However the shelter has around the clock needs.
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A new onsite two bedroom apartment will be provided for volunteers which includes air conditioning, full size refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, coffee maker, toaster and all dishes and utensils.
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We are only able to accept experienced vet and nurse volunteers with three years post graduation experience.
The minimum stay for each volunteer is at least 7 working days.
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This information should be used as a guide only. For up to date information on immunisations please consult your doctor. You will need to allow plenty of time before travelling for your immunisations to be effective. DO NOT LEAVE THIS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. As you will be working with animals the Rabies and Tetanus vaccines are essential. We have provided links below to websites with useful information on immunisations and travel advice which we highly recommend that you visit.
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office - Website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for travel advice generally and specifically by Country.
lonelyplanet.com - For helpful travel advice
nathnac.org - Useful information on immunisations required for travel
redplanet.travel/mdtravelhealth - Helpful travel advice website, updated daily.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-TRS-1012 - information on rabies vaccines
You must be up to date with Tetanus and any other vaccinations as recommended by your GP for Fiji.
There is no requirement for Rabies vaccinations for work in Fiji.
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It is essential that you have comprehensive travel insurance for this project which also covers you for veterinary work. WVS members can take advantage of the free travel insurance offered as part of the membership.
UK passport holders should check whether they require a visa before travelling. Please visit the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office website for further details: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office. All WVS volunteers are required to organise their own visas.
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Volunteers should take practical/comfortable clothes to work in (e.g. scrubs). If you would like to purchase a WVS scrub top please contact the office or visit our online shop.
Do bring:
Practical / comfortable clothes to work in (eg. scrubs)
Wet weather gear and warm clothing for the evenings
Towel
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Ear plugs and eye mask
Headlamp
Toiletries
Prescriptions & over-the-counter medication (eg. Imodium, Paracetemol etc)
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The safety of our staff and volunteers is of paramount importance to us as we run veterinary training activities. As part of our duty of care, staff and volunteers may be required to take a COVID-19 test at any time. The schedule and activities that can take place during volunteering may be subject to change due to the changing circumstances of the pandemic in accordance with local restrictions and regulations.
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Flight arrivals and departures are to/from the International Airport in Nadi.
Volunteers will be met on arrival at the airport by one of the Trustees where you will be taken to the Hospital for a briefing and discussion on local customs and the basic operation of the facility.
Meet our Volunteers
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Hannah
Hannah volunteered at PASH in March 2023 from the UK. She comes with 6.5 years of experience.
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Dr. Robert Gribble
Dr Gribble has over 25 years of experience and own 2 large clinics in Texas USA. Robert stopped by to support PASH with his medical expertise while visiting Fiji.