Upon arrival in India, you will be picked up from Goa Airport by a Mission Rabies representative and brought to your accommodation.
Here you will be welcomed by our core staff and meet the rest of the volunteers- spend the evening recuperating and getting to know your fellow members of Team Goa 2025!

The following day you will get a full briefing on what to expect over the next 1 week, alongside training on how to use our
data collection app. Using the App, you will help to collect data on every dog vaccinated to ensure we reach our target coverage and to obtain further data about the dog population that will help Mission Rabies have a sustainable impact in the area. Throughout your time in Goa, the teams will be working hard to ensure we reach 70% of the local dog population- the working days are therefore long, and the climate can make them tiring. However, though the work can be physically demanding it is very rewarding, you will end each day knowing you contributed to eliminating this deadly disease!

In the afternoons and evenings, you will have time to catch up with the rest of the group and exchange stories about the people and dogs you have met that day- all whilst enjoying delicious local, vegetarian dishes.

By coordinating ahead of time and building contingency plans we strive to make the potentially challenging job of vaccinating hundreds of dogs a day, go as smoothly as possible. However, the nature of fieldwork means that each day can be difficult to predict, and being able to ‘go with the flow’ is therefore essential!

We do want you to be as prepared as possible, so we would like to highlight some of the more challenging parts of volunteering here:

Transport and Accommodation
The standard of the roads, vehicles and driving in India may be less than you are used to. We conduct vehicle safety and driver checks for all the vehicles we use but this is something you should be aware of. You will be staying at a comfortable local hotel, and three meals a day, along with some soft drinks, will be provided.

Physical work and early starts

It is worth mentioning again that in order to reach 70% coverage of the dog population, we have to work very hard! Our Mission Rabies teams work from dawn to dusk to protect as many people as possible from this deadly disease, with a typical day starting at 5 or 6 am to get into the field to start work at 7 am. This being said, as it can get very hot in Goa, all the teams will return to the accommodation for lunch and to have a break away from the midday sun.

You must be comfortable walking at least 15 km a day over rough hilly terrain and in hot sunny weather.  You should make sure you come prepared for walking over such terrain so sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended.

Emotional stress

There is a chance that you will witness suffering, be it human or animal, while on this project. You cannot know how you will react to seeing a dog suffering from a terrible case of mange or with a fractured leg, seeing people in need or finding a personal bond had been shattered by illness. It may simply be alarming to see dogs who lived chained outside, or are handled roughly. It is perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions in response to this. We can help support you and ensure that all the hard work you put into this project makes a long and lasting change to the lives of people and animals you meet.

Sharing Rooms

To ensure we can get as many volunteers in the field as possible and keep the in-country costs low for you, you will be sharing a room with another volunteer of the same sex. If you specifically request to have a single room this may be arranged, however it will be at an extra cost. In addition if you are volunteering with a friend we can accommodate this, so please mention this upon application.

Food

The local food available in Goa offers a delicious array of flavours and spices and trying the local dishes is part of the fun! As an animal welfare project, the food provided whilst working with us will be vegetarian meals. Specific allergies can be discussed with our team - please do mention them upon your application.

Climate

Days are usually hot with balmy evenings, so visitors should pack light and cool clothing. The average daily maximum is 32 C, and the
average daily minimum is 22 C. We will make sure that you have plenty of fresh, clean, safe water throughout the day. Remember to pack high-factor sun cream and a hat.

In order to participate with Mission Rabies, we require proof of rabies vaccination within the past two years or proof of adequate titre within the last three months. Proof of current tetanus vaccination is also required. Regarding other vaccines, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have contacted a medical professional and/or travel clinic at least 6-8weeks before the date of the project. You must ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that you get any boosters in sufficient time.

Please also inform us of any medical conditions you have, or in case you have any questions about your ability to participate, so that we are aware and can discuss these with you and can then make any necessary provisions.

General Health Considerations

Vaccine requirements

In order to participate with Mission Rabies, we require proof of rabies vaccination within the past two years or proof of adequate titre within the last three months. Proof of current tetanus vaccination is also required. Regarding other vaccines, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have contacted a medical professional and/or travel clinic in plenty of time before the date of the project. You must ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that you get any boosters in sufficient time.

Vaccinations should all be complete no later than 6 weeks before you leave for your trip – in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to accept proof to be submitted after this deadline, however any doses must be given at least 14 days before you travel, to allow for adequate uptake.

Please also inform us of any medical conditions you have, or in case you have any questions about your ability to participate, so that we are aware and can discuss these with you and can then make any necessary provisions.

The NHS has a helpful website for travelling, http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk, that can provide you with advice but this should only be used in conjunction with, and not instead of seeking medical advice from your medical practitioner/local travel clinic.

COVID-19

On the 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic. The health and safety of our volunteers, staff and communities in which we work is our absolute priority, our teams are therefore monitoring the situation very closely and we will ensure we keep volunteers up to date with any changes that take place regarding the project.

Please ensure you consult your doctor when considering participating in this project. Infection with COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms for older people or those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any underlying health conditions should therefore be declared within the online application form and discussed with staff before departure for the project. Mission Rabies reserve the right to ask for a certificate from the GP of any individual travelling on our projects.

Malaria

India does have endemic malaria. We strongly recommend that you consult your physician and/or travel clinic to discuss options and indications for an adequate anti-malarial while you are in India. We also advise you pack a mosquito net, repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings to reduce the chance of insect bites.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever which is also transmitted by mosquitos is a risk, therefore taking precautions is essential since there is no treatment available. Ask your physician/ travel clinic about appropriate repellents.

Zika Virus

Goa is listed as being an area at risk of Zika virus on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Please follow the advice on their website and discuss this with your doctor when considering participating in this project. 

Dog Bite Protocols

Mission Rabies takes dog bites and potential rabies exposure very seriously. We follow strict protocol in line with the latest WHO recommendations in the case of dog bites. Post-exposure prophylaxis is readily available in India so injections can be obtained if they are needed. You will be briefed before you travel and in-country on our procedures for your own protection and there will always be a member of Mission Rabies staff to help.

Do bring:

• Practical / comfortable clothes to work in
• Wet weather gear and warm clothing for the evenings
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Toiletries
• Prescriptions & over-the-counter medication (eg. Imodium, Paracetemol etc)

Upon arrival in India, you will be picked up from Goa Airport by a Mission Rabies representative and brought to your accommodation.

You are not alone!

Mission Rabies is well aware of the fact that travelling to India can be an overwhelming experience even for seasoned travellers and we want your volunteer experience here to be as rewarding and comfortable as possible. Our staff are more than happy to answer any questions that you have before you travel and there will always be members from the Mission Rabies Leadership Team to be your point of communication in-country. They will be on the ground working with your team, helping you get to grips with the tasks and activities of the project and will always be available if you have any questions, concerns, or particular needs throughout your time in India.