“Using My Tools for the Goodness of the World and Making a Difference”: HQHVSN Veterinarians on Remote-Area Volunteerism and the Impacts of Spaycations

Abstract

Introduction: Veterinarians skilled in High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter (HQHVSN) are frequently invited to volunteer their surgical services in distant low-resource communities on trips casually known as “spaycations.” This research explores HQHVSN veterinarians’ motivations for choosing whether or not to participate in spaycations and their perceptions of the impacts these clinics have on communities they visit to answer the research questions “why do HQHVSN veterinarians go on spaycations?” and “are spaycations a good thing?”

Methods: Veterinarians who work in or are trained in HQHVSN were invited to complete an online questionnaire containing open-ended questions relating to their thoughts and experiences regarding spaycations. Respondents were asked to discuss their perceptions of spaycations’ impacts on the volunteer veterinarians themselves as well as on the animals, clients, communities, veterinary practitioners and animal populations in the areas visited. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted in which the veterinarians’ responses were coded inductively for semantic themes using a critical realist approach.

Results: Forty-three veterinarians responded to the survey, and over two-thirds (30/43; 70%) had been on spaycation. Most responding veterinarians were motivated by a desire to make a difference and give back to communities in need as well as the desire to travel and to experience other cultures. Thematic analysis generated four main themes: HQHVSN is a special skill set; spaycations are expensive; “I don’t have data but…”: the uncertain population impact of spaycations; and colonialism is an ever-present risk.

Conclusion: This study’s findings show that for veterinarians, spaycations can be an opportunity for altruism that also enriches their work as veterinarians and as HQHVSN practitioners. However, study themes highlight some potential pitfalls of spaycations including the pressures placed on volunteers, the high cost of spaycations, the questionable or un-evaluated efficacy of spaycation clinics and the potential for colonialism and “savior” attitudes. The compelling nature of these trips necessitates conscientious and culturally-sensitive leadership and planning to provide safe, sustainable, community-centered programs with a focus on long-term solutions.