WVS Goa Workshop

A two-day intensive hands-on training workshop was successfully organized at the ITC WVS Hicks Centre, Goa, on the 4th and 5th of July. The event brought together 17 enthusiastic veterinary students representing 10 Local Chapters (LCs) across India, creating an inspiring environment of collaboration, learning, and shared passion for animal welfare.

The workshop aimed to provide participants with practical exposure and in-depth understanding of essential veterinary techniques, shelter medicine, and community-based animal care. Students explored the rich history and mission of the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and its global impact on animal health and welfare initiatives.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in interactive practical sessions covering a wide range of topics such as suturing techniques, spaying and neutering procedures, surgical kit preparation, proper gloving and aseptic techniques, and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in animals. They also experienced working in a shelter environment, learning about teamwork, case handling, and day-to-day veterinary operations.

A highlight of the workshop was a demonstration on post-mortem examination and sample collection from a rabid dog, which gave students hands-on exposure to critical aspects of disease investigation and control. Sessions also covered anesthetic and euthanasia protocols, emphasizing humane, ethical, and evidence-based approaches to veterinary practice.

In addition to clinical skills, the workshop included engaging lectures and discussions on topics such as animal welfare, humane dog population management, and rabies control strategies. The blend of theoretical learning and hands-on practice made the experience both educational and deeply motivating, helping participants build confidence in real-world veterinary scenarios.