We request everyone to arrive in Mumbai on Wednesday, 29th January 2025. You will be met by a Mission Rabies representative and we will transfer you from the airport to the project accommodation in the city. Here, you will be welcomed by the Mission Rabies leadership team and have the chance to meet the rest of the volunteers, spending the evening recuperating, and getting to know your fellow members of Team Mumbai!

On Thursday 30th January, you will receive a full briefing on what to expect from the coming week, alongside training on how to use our WVS data collection app. Using the app, you will help collect data on every dog vaccinated by your team, providing valuable information to local authorities and helping to optimize the vaccination approach for future campaigns.

Vaccination begins on Friday, 31st January, and will conclude on Tuesday 4th February. We will be working to vaccinate 70% of dogs
in our working areas, so the working days are long, and the climate will be hot. Although the work can be demanding, it is highly rewarding, and you will end each day knowing you contributed to eliminating this deadly disease! Lunch will be provided each day.

In the 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
during the day while enjoying delicious local, vegetarian dishes.

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

Departure from the project will be on Wednesday 5th February, when we will coordinate your transfer back to the airport.

Physical Work and Early Starts

To reach 70% coverage of the dog population, we work very hard! A typical day starts at 5 or 6 am to get into the field by 7 am. The days are long but rewarding, as each dog vaccinated is one more protected against rabies—ultimately saving the lives of local people. You must be comfortable walking at least 15 km daily over rough, hilly terrain in hot, sunny weather—sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. The vaccination, handling,marking, and data collection process is also physical work, so make sure to
look after yourself: wear high-factor sunscreen,and a sun hat, and drink plenty of water.

You will be staying at a comfortable local hotel, and three meals a day, along with some soft drinks, will be provided.

Rooms will be shared with another volunteer of the same sex. If you prefer a single room, this can often be arranged for an additional cost and is subject to availability. Additionally, if you are volunteering with a friend and would like to share a room, we can arrange that as well..

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 or travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks 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.

Deposit and fundraising

Please note that we will require a non refundbale deposit (deducted from the full fee) of £350, payable 28 days after your application has been approved. We also ask that you fundraise £350 to help with Mission Rabies' important work.

To participate in the Mission Rabies program, proof of rabies and tetanus vaccinations is mandatory.
You are also responsible for consulting with a travel clinic or medical professional at least 6-8 weeks before the project start date to discuss any additional recommended vaccinations, and to ensure that all required doses and boosters are completed in time.

Rabies: Proof of rabies vaccination is required for all participants. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• Documentation of a recent primary vaccination course administered within the past 1-2 years, with the final dose completed no later than 14 days before field exposure.
• A rabies booster if your primary vaccination was administered over two years ago.
• Alternatively, a titre test result dated within three months before the project start date, which confirms adequate levels.

Tetanus: Valid proof of a recent tetanus vaccination is required to cover you for the duration of the trip.

Health Declaration

Please 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 that can be found here, which 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.

Additional Vaccinations and Health Requirements

We advise you to review recommended vaccines and treatments with a medical professional or travel clinic. Although only proof of rabies and tetanus vaccination is required by us, further vaccinations may be advised for the trip, based on your travel health provider’s recommendations.

Yellow Fever

You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have visited or transited for more than 12 hours in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in India. We strongly recommend that you consult your physician and/or travel clinic to discuss options and indications for an adequate anti-malarial protection. We also advise you to take measures to avoid getting bitten, such as wearing insect repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, and wearing long sleeves and trousers.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitos is a risk, therefore taking precautions is essential since there is no treatment available. Using insect repellent is advised  as a preventative measure - please ask your physician/ travel clinic about appropriate repellents.

Zika Virus

India 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. 

Food and Water Safety

There is always the risk of 'travellers' diarrhoea' when you travel due to different food and water. As a rule we recommend you only drink bottled or purified water, and eat from reputable restaurants. With regard to food, we will provide clean, safe vegetarian food for each of your meals. Many people have said that steering clear of meat will go a long way in preventing illness; anecdotally this does appear to have been true for many of our previous volunteers. We recommend consulting your physician to discuss treatments that you can bring along and signs and symptoms to look out for when travelling.

Dog Bite Protocols

Mission Rabies takes dog bites and potential rabies exposure very seriously. We follow strict protocols 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.

Emotional Readiness for Field Experiences

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 that had been shattered by illness. It may simply be alarming to see dogs who live 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.

Mission Rabies is very aware of the fact that travelling internationally can be an overwhelming experience, even for seasoned travellers,
and we want your volunteer experience 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 on the project 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 specific needs throughout your time in
Mumbai.

Additional Resources for Health and Travel Preparation

We encourage you to visit the links below for travel advice and information on vaccinations. These resources offer useful information, but they should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

• 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

Tentative Weather Overview

• Temperatures: Expect daytime highs around 30°C(86°F) and nighttime lows near 19°C (66°F). The weather will
  generally be warm and dry, with minimal rainfall (averaging about 0mm in January)​. Weather Atlas
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels can make the heat feel more intense, especially during midday​. Where And When
• Sunlight: Expect around 9 hours of bright sunshine daily, making sun protection essential​.

For more detailed weather information, you can visit resources such as Weather2Travel.com / Time and Date​ / Weather Atlas

Essential Clothing and Gear

• Practical Clothing:
• Lightweight, breathable clothes suitable for fieldwork (e.g., scrubs, T-shirts, and trousers). If interested, WVS scrub tops are available for purchase.
• Warm Layer: A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
• Sun Protection:
• High-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays.
• A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Footwear:
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes for long hours of work, ideally closed-toe for safety.

Health and Hygiene Essentials

• Towel: A quick-drying travel towel is useful for various situations.
• Personal Toiletries: Standard toiletries along with travel-sized hand sanitiser and biodegradable wet wipes.
• Medications: Bring a prescription and over-the-counter medications, including:
• Imodium, Paracetamol, and electrolyte tablets for hydration.

Additional Practical Items

• Bug Spray: Effective insect repellent to protect against bites, especially during dusk.
• Filter Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated while minimizing plastic waste; this allows access to clean drinking water on the go.
• Headlamp: Useful for navigating in low-light conditions during evenings.
• Earplugs and Eye Mask: To help you sleep better, particularly in noisy environments.
• Charging Adaptors: Ensure you bring the appropriate charging adaptors for your electronic devices. In India, the standard voltage is 230V, and the plug type is C, D, or M, so pack accordingly to keep your devices charged​

Hydration Tips

• Due to the heat, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Electrolyte tablets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat.  

You will be responsible for organising and covering the cost of your flights to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM).

Transfers to and from the hotel are included, however are only available on the stated arrival and departure days - if you are staying for some relaxation time before or after the project, then you will need to organise your own transport and additional accommodation.