Project Samana

Our mission is simple: Provide necessary surgical and medical services to the animals of Samana. Educate animal owners in the health, care and proper use of work horses and mules. Provide training to local veterinarians and students from Dominican schools in medical and surgical procedures. Expand our team of veterinary students from the U.S. to experience first hand the problems plaguing animals of third world countries. Project Samana looks to its’ future and to you. We are pleased with the progress that’s been made over the years, the horses are looking better now that they are receiving medical attention from Team Samana twice a year and follow-up care by local practitioners in between. And according to the mayor of Samana, who honored our team with a ceremony, commemorative plaque and dinner, the number of stray dogs and cats on the streets has been reduced drastically. Project Samana will continue as long as there is a need, which appears to be quite a while. We must see that additional mules and horses receive more care and address issues of relative size (the over loading of a heavy tourist on a small thin mule, or baskets overloaded with cargo for the animals to carry is still a common sight). As the tourist business grows so must the level of sophistication and care the animals receive. We will also continue to bring newly graduated veterinarians and technicians to Samana, truly rounding out their education. The new vets and techs love the opportunity the program provides and take home with them lessons that will make them better practitioners forever. We thank those whose support we have received, the generous donors and the dedication the MVMA members, not to mention the many volunteers without whom none of this would be possible. We’re well on our way but we need your support. Join Team Samana, together we can continue to make a real, positive difference in the lives of the animals we all love. Please consider a contribution to this worthwhile project that helps animals and people in the Third World. Your donation can be earmarked for a special purpose (supporting a specific Dr. or student) Air miles would provide a ticket for someone who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Money for specific supplies (suture, antibiotics etc.) is always needed.