News

Once again, Siem Reap hosted the annual World Vets visit to Cambodia. Students from Grades 10, 11 and 12 volunteered to spend their weekend helping the vets program to perform over 450 surgeries, all provided free of charge to locals. The animals were neutered and received rabies vaccinations and microchipping.

Local community members who arrived at World Vets Day with their pets were met by JPA students who ran through the procedures with them. The students performed many duties, from translation, scheduling, vaccine preparation, and acting as surgery-recovery assistants. Both organizers and volunteers at the event commented on the incredible work ethic and professionalism of the JPA volunteers with one stating, “We wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without the help of these amazing JPA students.” Grade 11 student, Kimheat ’21, said, “I felt good after working as a volunteer knowing that I have helped the community.”

One Grade 12 student, Vanny ’20, had the difficult task of turning some people away, he said, “I was in a bizarre situation when a group of professional animal breeders brought a truck load of dogs and tried to get free vaccinations and health checks. One of the head vets told me, ‘They make a profit from the dogs and want to get free services, but this day is for pet owners in genuine need of help and to help control the population of stray animals.’ I had to explain to them how treating their dogs would be against the vets’ mission. It was awkward, but the right thing to do.”

Attending the event for the first time, Grade 10 student, Ellen ’22, said, “As a huge animal lover, I enjoyed being surrounded by so many animals and being able to see surgeries first-hand. It was heart-warming to see that the vets, owners, and other volunteers had as much compassion towards the animals as I do. I chose to spend most of my time helping the vets in the surgery area as it really interests me. I watched the process of neutering and spaying so many times that I could probably list the steps and procedures required with ease. It was amazing to see how one small procedure can make such a big difference in the future population of stray animals. It is satisfying to give back to the community.”

Thank you to Ms. Houston for liaising with World Vets and congratulations to all the volunteers for doing such a great job.