The new year can bring new adventures in many forms - including veterinary mission trips! Make sure you're checking your list twice with this quick list of items to bring on your next trip.
1. SCRUBS
When you're working with animals, it's always a great idea to wear scrubs! A lot of veterinary mission trips will encourage you to bring pairs of scrubs that you are willing to leave as a donation for local healthcare providers, or for future mission trip attendees! So be sure to ask your mission program if donation is possible. I've also found that wearing water resistant lightweight hiking pants has been a great alternative to standard scrub pants when working on mission trips. The lightweight fabric means that you aren't sweating as much, and having water resistant pants means that the blood, drool, urine, etc. that will spill on you doesn't mean you have to sit in it all day. They also have a crazy amount of pockets, which is always excellent.
2. MEDICAL GEAR
Of course, you should be bringing your thermometer, stethoscope, and watch when you're going to be performing physical exams. (A pen light can also be useful, although an iPhone flashlight will usually do the trick.) I also recommend bringing a stethoscope timer. These little babies will save you a ton of time, and can also mean needing less people/assistance to get a physical exam done. The timer clips to your stethoscope, and at the push of a button begins recording 15, 30, or 60 seconds - and beeps when it is finished! This means you no longer have to hold up your wrist and try your best to count 15 seconds with a squirmy dog in your other hand. All you've gotta do is press the button, and count while waiting for the beep!
3. EXTRAS
Packing light is a particular passion of mine. I really enjoy bringing exactly what I need, and nothing more. However, it can be super helpful to bring a long a few extras on veterinary mission trips to help make things more efficient. I recommend bringing plastic ziplock baggies in quart and gallon sizes, permanent markers, clipboard(s), blank paper, and tape. Most likely, the program that you mission trip with will have some or all of these items, but it really feels good to save the day when you're in the middle of the rainforest and desperately need some tape. So even if your packing list doesn't have these items on there - I highly recommend it.
4. DAYPACK
A collapsible daypack is an extremely useful item to bring on any mission trip. I recommend something that is collapsable, and water resistant. Large backpacks often work really well - and can double as your 'personal item' when flying, but I find that having a dedicated bag that is water resistant and lightweight works the best. I highly recommend Cotopaxi's Luzon Daypack. It's 18L, collapsible, durable, and even has a hydration sleeve. You can pick your colors, or purchase the slightly more expensive Del Dia, and have the colors uniquely picked for you. I have the Luzon pack, and have had it travel with me to Belize, and Costa Rica as a pack for mission trips and hiking and have loved it. I get a crazy amount of compliments on it as well!
5. OPEN MINDEDNESS
Finally, THE most important item you can bring on any kind of trip is an open mind, understanding, and empathy. Especially on veterinary mission trips where you may see medicinal and husbandry methods that you are not accustomed to. The very best thing that anyone can bring to these places is understanding and empathy.
So GET OUT THERE! Bring your very best attitude, an open heart, and maybe a few markers and help some animals and their community. You're going to feel amazing when you do, and the world will be that much better because of it.
xoxo alicen
