Project Samana: More Than Medicine

Annually, some of our team members participate in Project Samana, a veterinary and education outreach program for the Dominican Republic. This project is unique in that it provides both needed veterinary care and education for companion and working animal owners to teach them better ways to care for their animals. The Village Vets team donates their veterinary skills, efforts, and time to Project Samana whenever possible.

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Helping the Animals and Their People

In the Dominican Republic, many animals are an integral part of local culture and everyday life, providing not only companionship but also transportation, work opportunities, and tourist attractions. Donkeys and horses are one of the main focuses for Project Samana because they remain critical to the livelihood of local residents. In fact, the project began with an equine health care program! Our program today includes basic medical care, castration surgeries for stallions, and education for residents. When the animals of their community thrive, the people thrive as well.

Services provided to donkeys and horses include:

  • Castration for stallions
  • Dental care (mouth and teeth diseases are a serious problem)
  • Lameness evaluations and treatment
  • Senior horse care
  • Wound care for injuries

Cats and dogs are another strong focus as they provide companionship to many residents, especially children.

Services provided to cats and dogs include:

  • Spay and neuter surgeries
  • Vaccinations (particularly rabies)
  • Treatment for parasites
  • Basic medical care for wounds or injuries
  • Donated collars and leashes for dogs
  • Post-surgical medication for at-home recovery
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Educating the Community

While providing medical care is a central focus, giving residents the tools and knowledge to continue to care for their pets is just as important. Team Samana provides education in several ways including:

  • Educating residents about parasite control, basic first aid, nutrition, and animal husbandry
  • Sponsoring local animal health seminars in the community
  • Providing medical and surgical training to students and veterinarians from Dominican schools

Interested in learning more? Go to projectsamana.org, or ask us how you can get involved!