Get Involved

UK qualified veterinarian, volunteered for 3 weeks in March 2018 and again in November 2019.  On both occasions Helen was independently contracted to APS.

‘Volunteering with APS Samoa was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences. APS allows you to immerse yourself in an entirely new culture, perform rewarding veterinary work, meet new people and enjoy a cold coconut at the end of the day!

 The veterinary work is interesting and varied including a high surgical case load. From educating owners about routine preventative care to dealing with road traffic accidents, to performing de-sexings under a palm tree and everything in between. All you need to bring is resourcefulness and a positive outlook! The clinic is suited to a vet with some experience under their belt as at times you will be working alone, supported by local Samoan veterinary assistants.

 Samoa is an absolutely beautiful country with rich culture, delightful locals, beautiful beaches and breath taking scenery. Volunteering with APS allows you to experience this island life in a way you never could as a tourist, as well as expanding your clinical skills (and improving your CV!)’

Veterinarian from Australia, was independently contracted to APS in August-September 2019.

‘Volunteering with APS is a great way to experience another side of beautiful Samoa. I spent 5 weeks with APS in 2019 and really enjoyed my time there. The whole team at APS were really welcoming and helpful. I was lucky enough to participate in a village desexing program – it was hard work but incredibly rewarding! One thing I’ll never forget is owners watching us operate on their pet while they waited – a very Samoan experience!’

‘I visited APS, Samoa in July 2019 on a South Pacific island tour working with various veterinary practices and charities along the way. Harriet and the team were exceptionally welcoming, working tirelessly under often challenging conditions to provide much needed medical attention to the animals of Samoa as well as support for the families of the pets. They are an invaluable asset to the community and strive to ensure the welfare of the island’s animals is at the forefront of every single day.’

UK qualified veterinary nurse, volunteered at APS in March – April 2020.

from Germany volunteered with APS from September to December 2018 in a ‘general helper’ capacity through Projects Abroad.  Zoe messaged APS in January 2020…

‘I just finished my first Semester in veterinary medicine and I am still so thankful because my time at the APS in Samoa definitely showed me how beautiful the work as a vet can be and that the studies are absolutely worth it!! Maybe I can come to back to Samoa as a vet one day, I would love to do that actually.’

A qualified veterinarian from Newman, CA and was one of the Vet Beyond Borders contunious volunteering programs with APS from 02nd October until the 16th October, 2023.

“Woking with VBB in Samoa was an amazing experience. The Samoan people are humble, kind, religious and patient. The clinic is well staffed but rustic. I learned so much! There was lots of time to tour the island and see its amazing wonders. I recommend any vet to go if you have time to give.

Vet student from Sydney University volunteering for APS from the 26th June until the 14th July 2023 through Vets Beyond Borders program.

“In 2023, my experience with APS was truly heartwarming. The team graciously embraced me, imparting invaluable lessons during my time as a student. Witnessing the dedicated effort of the APS team left me in awe, as they wholeheartedly commit to assisting the animals of Samoa with unparalleled empathy, kindness, and care. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend volunteering at APS; it promises an exceptional and rewarding experience”.

A qualified vetrinarian from Australia, joining APS under the Vets Beyond Borders volunteering programs from 02nd October until the 26th October, 2023.

 

Myself and 3 veterinary colleagues volunteered at APS for the month of October and had a truly memorable experience. Not only did we help perform the clinic duties of routine consults and surgeries, but we also performed house calls and outreach visits to local communities. “It is really important that these program reaches many people as possible and educates them about how the treatment is going to help their dogs and ways to care for their pets nad keep them healthy”. The staff were great to work with and we really enjoyed meeting so many members of the Samoan community.

 

From Australia and was volunteering for APS through Vets Beyond Borders program from 05th June until the 30th June, 2023.

“Volunteering with APS was one of the best experiences of my life. Every day was exciting and a new challenge. The staff were all lovely and helpful and I will be forever grateful for my time with them”.

An amazing Vet Nurse from New Zealand volunteering for APS through Vets Beyond Borders progam from 26th Jan-05th Feb 2024.

“UNFORGETTABLE and MEANINGFUL”, these two words describe the experience I had at APS Samoa. With limited resources, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most enthusiastic animal-loving workers in this beautiful country under the extreme environment. A big shout out to Harriet and Johanna for their hard-work and leadind this fantastic team. And a big “thank you” to Leisha for being my caring “Auntie”.

A registered veterinary nurse from Australia volunteering for APS through Vets Beyond Borders program from the 02nd Oct till the 26th October 2023

I volunteered with APS Samoa through VBBs. I found my time here to be extremely rewarding. The staff always go above and beyond in their duties.

Each day brought a new and exciting challenge. During my time here, we were lucky enough to complete outreach work and meet lots of wonderful Samoan people who introduced their incredible island life.

DVM (University of Melbourne 2019), volunteering for APS through Vets Beyond Borders from the 16th April until 28th April 2023.

What a rewarding experience! The lovely staff were very friendly and accomodating making our stay in Samoa and our experience in the clinic and outer villages such an enjoyable one. It was an interesting and varied case load with a mix of in-clinic work, house visits and spay/neuter workshops in outer villages. Weekends and early finish workdays allowed for relaxing and recuperating exploring the beautiful surrounds and enjoying the fresh local produce and cuisines. 

In general, a great introduction to volunteering. Surgeries would be ideally suited to veterinarians with a few years’ experience under their belts, and medicine cases suited to those willing to be innovative with the resources on-hand.

 

A qualified veterinarian graduated from Charles Sturt University, Australia in 2020 volunteering for APS through Vets Beyond Borders from 4th March until 22nd March 2024

I volunteered with Vets Beyond Borders for APS Samoa. I was there for three weeks in March 2024. It was a fantastic experience and an incredible way to explore and learn about a new culture. The team at APS are lovely, and I really appreciated the opportunity to use my skills in a different environment. Having minimal resources compared to Australia tested my Veterinary skills in a  new way and taught me to look at cases from a different perspective. I am very grateful for the experience I have had, the people I have met and the memories made. Thank you APS Samoa.