Our International Veterinary Teaching Program is Now Open
SEE BELOW!!!
Our Volunteer Team
Erin Niles RVT
CETLAVET Volunteer Project Coordinator, Team Leader and Web Designer
Erin started her veterinary technician career at a high volume spay and neuter clinic back in 2013. Nicaragua has become a second home for Erin, having visited at least 10 plus times since 2016. This experience not only broadened her understanding of animal welfare but also shed light on the crucial importance of controlling the overpopulation of cats and dogs. In 2016, Erin ventured into international veterinary volunteering, immersing herself in diverse cultures and discovering a deep satisfaction in working with them. Erin passionately expresses that volunteering in other countries is her calling, finding immense gratification and reward in aiding animals and people who lack access to healthcare for their pets.
Dr. Lindsay Church DVM
CETLAVET Volunteer Team Leader
Lindsay Church is a dynamic veterinarian with a heart for adventure and education. Her passion for travel takes her to underserved areas where she performs vital spay and neuter surgeries, ensuring the well-being of countless animals. A natural teacher, Lindsay infuses her lessons with humor and creativity, making surgery both enjoyable and approachable for her students. With a fondness for dance parties and snacks, Lindsay brings energy and levity to every learning environment. Her own experiences as a student resonate in her teaching style, as she empathizes with the challenges of learning surgery. Lindsay's commitment to animal welfare and education shines through in her work, making her a role model in both the veterinary and teaching communities.
Dr. Lisa Soyka DVM
CETLAVET Volunteer Team Leader
With over a decade of experience as an emergency veterinarian, Lisa is wholeheartedly committed to providing the highest level of compassionate patient care. Her extensive experience in emergency care and special interest in surgery has equipped her with the skills to handle critical situations with poise and expertise.Beyond her clinical role, Dr. Lisa is enthusiastic about mentoring and education within the veterinary field. Guiding and inspiring the next generation of veterinarians has become an integral part of Lisa’s journey. Dr. Lisa’s career has been fueled by a strong commitment to customer service, ensuring that pet owners receive not only exceptional medical/surgical care for their companions but also empathy and understanding during their times of concern. With a well-rounded background and a passion for veterinary excellence, Dr. Lisa is excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of animals and their human companions. In her spare time, she finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and 3 beloved dogs, traveling, as well as extending her veterinary expertise to underserved communities and those in need by means of mission work and volunteering, which is how she was introduced to AproVet and the amazing compassionate care they provide to the community!
Diane Blahusch
AproVet Volunteer Assistant & Fundraiser Coordinator
Diane has a diverse background in real estate and finance, but her true passion lies with animals rather than spreadsheets. While residing in Vieques, Puerto Rico, she played a crucial role in establishing a community outreach program and compiling the data required for securing grants to fund High-Volume, High-Quality Spay/Neuter (HVHQSN) services. Her efforts culminated in the opening of the island’s only clinic.
In addition to her work in Puerto Rico, Diane has contributed to the Maine Animal Health Alliance (MAHA) and Backroads Spay & Neuter programs. Her roles included assisting in the recovery room and running essential errands (acquiring ice cream at critical moments).
Get Involved
WELCOME!!!
Welcome to our teaching programs for vet, pre-vet, and veterinary technician students! Our programs offer students the opportunity to practice their skills and learn from experienced veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians. We are excited to announce that our June 2026 program is now open for registration.
HQHVSN Volunteer Dates:
DETAILS COMING SOON
IVM Veterinary Student Volunteer Dates:
June 13-20, 2026
More dates coming soon!
Veterinary Student Teaching PRICES for Summer 2026
***Please be aware that project fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other projects and/or persons***
Veterinary Students: $1,000
(Must be in a veterinary program)
Pre-Vet Students: $750
(Must be in a 4-year, pre-vet program)
DVMs: $750
(If possible, please donate suture PDO, 2-0, 0 & 3-0)
Qualified Technicians: $500
(If possible, please donate catheter tape, catheters)
Vet Tech Students: $500
(Must be in a vet tech program)
Assistants: $500
(Can be anyone who has always wanted to work with animals)
Included in Price
The fee helps cover the medical supplies needed for the programs, but donations are greatly appreciated!!!
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A planned day-to-day itinerary with surgery days, excursions, and dinners. Excursions & dinners are at the volunteer's own expense.
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Airport Transfer to and from Granada. Volunteers who are traveling together should try to book your flights to arrive in Managua at the same time.
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Accommodations during your stay include a shared room. Due to hotel availability, rooms may consist of double and/or triple beds per room. The hotel is equipped with an air conditioner and pool and is located within close proximity to the Calzada where there are a variety of restaurants, shops, and nighttime entertainment. The hotel stay includes a delicious daily breakfast.
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Lunch will be provided ONLY on clinic days.
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Transportation to/from Outreach Day
NOT included
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You are responsible for your own airfare.
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$10 entry visa in cash at the airport.
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Any excursions or activities outside of the program.
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Lunches on NON clinic days.
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Dinners (Around $10-$20/night).
NOTE: These trips are intended for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and assistants. All DVMs and technicians must be licensed. The assistant role can be filled by anyone currently working at a vet hospital or shelter, or anyone who likes animals. Veterinary students must have started their first year of veterinary school, and veterinary technician students must be in a vet tech program.
***Assistants will help in many ways depending on their experience and comfort level. They may restrain in induction, help in recovery, sterilize instruments, and help anywhere else as needed.
Your health and safety are your responsibility. Travel insurance is highly recommended for ALL projects.
PLEASE NOTE:
CETLAVET will only arrange the logistics for the dates planned for the volunteer project.
***If you decide to arrive earlier or stay later than the scheduled dates you signed up for, you will be responsible for your own airport transportation and for arranging any necessary accommodations before or after the clinic dates***
2026 Summer Student Teaching Project
***Very important!!!***
Please email AproVetUSA@gmail.com FIRST before completing the form in order to confirm that there is a spot available for you!!!***
***Please be aware that project fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other projects and/or persons***
NOTE- prices will increase in 2026 in order to help purchase more medical supplies.
This program is designed for Veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary students, pre vet students and veterinary technician students. Assistants can be anyone who has a love for animals.
WISH LIST
In order to help with our surgeries, we are asking for DVMs, technicians and assistants to bring a donation from the list below:
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suture-2-0, 3/0 and 0
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clipper blades size 40,
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clippers (found on Amazon)
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IV catheter size 18G, 22G and 24G
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Gauze/Cotton/tape (Can be found on Amazon)
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If possible, DVMs we ask if you're able to, to bring your own spay packs (for surgeries)
All items below can be found on Amazon:
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Clippers ( Andis - 64076, Ultra Edge Super Blocking Dog
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Clipper Blades - Built with Carbon-Infused Steel, Sharp Cutting Edges with Zero Gaps, Size-40, 1/100-Inch - for Full Body Grooming, Chrome
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Clippers: Founouly Home professional dog grooming kit
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Catheter Tape: 3M Medipore H Cloth Tape 1" × 10 yd Pack: 2
Itinerary (day to day plans are subject to change)
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime
Day 1
Arrival (International Airport Augusto Cesar Sandino, Managua (MGA)
Aprovet will provide one shuttle depending on the time of arrival. If you’re traveling as a group, please try to schedule the same flight times.
Day 2
Free day.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will conduct an orientation session covering surgical skills, knots, suture patterns, anesthesia, anesthesia machines, drug protocols, and organizing the space for the following day's surgeries. Following the orientation, you will have the chance to shop at Central Park, where many artisans offer beautiful pots, cups, plates, paintings, and various trinkets. Alternatively, you can plan an excursion with the team.
Day 3
Small animal clinic. Spay and neuter surgeries.
Day 4
Small animal clinic. Spay/neuter surgeries.
Day 5
Free day for an excursion.
Day 6
Small animal clinic. Spay/neuter surgeries.
Day 7
Outreach day. We will be traveling outside the city of Granada to offer free veterinary services for horses, dogs, and cats. Our services will include health checkups, consultations, and vaccinations. For horses, we will provide hoof care, dental work, and some castrations. Occasionally, people bring other animals such as cows, pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, and chickens, so we are always prepared for anything.
Day 8
Official departure day. CETLAVET will provide a shuttle to the airport.
Accommodations
Granada offers a selection of exceptional hotels conveniently situated within the center of the city. Guests can expect comfortable accommodations that seamlessly integrate style and charm, with easy access to local cultural and historical sites as well as walking distance to the CETLAVET clinic.
Most of the hotels were built in the 19th century and are located in the center of Granada. The rooms are air-conditioned, and the water is safe to use, but we recommend drinking filtered water. Breakfast is included and made fresh daily. *** Please be kind to our earth and don't flush the toilet paper.
Excursions
Explore beautiful Nicaragua!
Experience the serene beaches of Laguna de Apoyo at Paradiso Hostel or Laguna Beach Club. Explore the lush Mombacho Volcano or Cerro de Negro, or take a charming horse and carriage ride the Tour de Isletas. Enjoy surfing and sunbathing at the popular San Juan del Sur. For the adventurous, zip line through the treetops or embark on an evening trip to witness the bubbling lava at Masaya Volcano. The options for excursions are endless!
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND DVMs, RVTs and ASSISTANTS
Ready to sign up?
Ready to sign up to volunteer with us?
FIRST!
Please email aprovetUSA@gmail.com to confirm that there are still open positions. If there are open positions, you will receive an email with a google doc attached with information about the program and how to sign up. It is important to follow those steps listed before signing up.
The fee is paid directly to Aprovet preferably through Zelle at 786-754-8386, Venmo @ http://venmo.com/u/Lester-Tapia-1
or Paypal @ http://www.paypal.me.Aprovet
Import Note:
When paying through PayPal, please change to "friends and family" in order for PayPal NOT to take a portion of the payment. PayPal charges a fee of 4.5% for receiving payments.
Project fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to other projects and/or persons
For more info you can contact us:Dr. Lester Tapia: aprovetnicaragua@gmail.com or contact aprovetUSA@gmail.com
Want to Sponsor Us
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This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the public community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we do at CETLAVET. Get in touch with any questions about how you can Partner with Us today.
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Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Volunteer your time and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help. No matter what your background is, if you love animals. Then come join us!!!
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This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we do at CETLAVET. Get in touch with any questions about how you can Partner with Us today.
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We can't wait to have you volunteer with us!!!