Amici Cannis Hospital, Cotacachi, Ecuador

Welcome to Amici Cannis!

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining our team as a student volunteer. Your curiosity, compassion, and energy are exactly what make our work so meaningful, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our mission. Volunteering with Amici Cannis isn’t just about lending a hand. It’s about becoming part of a community that cares deeply for animals and the people who love them. And what better place to do that than in the heart of Cotacachi, a town full of charm, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty? It’s a truly magical setting where meaningful work meets unforgettable experiences. Whether you're assisting in clinics, supporting outreach, or learning how we track impact through data, your time with us will be both enriching and inspiring. We’re honored to have you on this journey and look forward to the difference we’ll make together.

Amici Cannis is a full-service, 24-hour veterinary hospital offering comprehensive general and specialty care to a diverse client population. Our mission-driven nonprofit foundation provides critical medical services, including wellness care, trauma treatment, sterilization, and hospitalization, to unowned community dogs. Our outreach programs extend to under-resourced indigenous villages in the rural areas surrounding Cotacachi, where we conduct vaccination and sterilization campaigns to improve animal health and welfare.

We proudly serve a wide range of clients, including Ecuadorian pet owners and a large expatriate community in Cotacachi and neighboring cities. Our hospital team includes volunteer U.S. veterinary professionals who mentor and consult on-site, a resident board-certified radiologist, four Ecuadorian veterinarians, eight veterinary technicians, a practice manager and an administrator, and a dedicated group of volunteers supporting outreach and campaign efforts.

Our state-of-the-art facility, which will be completed in January 2026, spans 12,500 square feet and is fully equipped to handle high-volume and complex cases. Key features include:

• A sterilization surgery suite with seven fully equipped tables, gas anesthesia, and full monitoring
• A specialty surgical suite for orthopedic and emergency procedures
• Routine sterilization campaigns treating up to 50 animals per day
• A robust ICU and hospitalization ward, plus an isolation unit for infectious disease cases
• Advanced diagnostic imaging with Sound Smart DR and ultrasound, interpreted by our radiologist
• An in-house reference laboratory powered by the Alpha Ion system

We offer a wide range of clinical services, including dentistry, fracture repairs, orthopedic procedures (e.g., toggle pins for luxated hips), and endoscopy. Visiting specialists in dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology, and internal medicine further enhance our capabilities.

Beyond medical care, Amici Cannis provides ancillary services such as behavior training, grooming, daycare, lodging, and access to an on-site private dog park.

Our hospital operates with a fully paperless medical record system using Digitail Veterinary Software, featuring AI-supported tools. Students have access to medical records and gain hands-on experience with modern PIMS technology.

Amici Cannis is proud to offer immersive, hands-on clinical experiences for veterinary students through volunteer opportunities and externships tailored to all levels of training.

We welcome students from all academic years and customize responsibilities based on experience and comfort level:

First- and Second-Year Students: Students in their early years gain foundational clinical skills through:

• Animal handling and restraint
• Catheter placement
• Laboratory sample collection and analysis
• Ultrasound and radiology imaging
• Physical examinations and patient treatments
• Wound care and medication administration
• Trauma assessment and stabilization
• Anesthesia planning and monitoring
• Bandaging, casting, and necropsies

Third- and Fourth-Year Students: Advanced students are invited to participate in surgical procedures:

• Assisting in all types of surgeries
• Acting as primary surgeons for OHE/neuter, mass removals, abdominal procedures, wound repairs, and other soft tissue surgeries
• Performing trauma-related interventions such as chest tube placement, thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, urinary catheterization, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy—as cases arise

Our philosophy is simple: students should receive as much hands-on clinical training as possible, always within their comfort zone and under supervision. Our hospital operates 24/7 and sees a high volume of emergency cases, offering students the chance to engage in real-time critical care. Participation in emergency cases is encouraged but never required.

Externship schedules typically follow a 5-day week with 8-hour shifts, though many students choose to extend their hours voluntarily. Students are never left solely responsible for hospitalized or emergency cases. Each extern receives a personalized schedule based on their interests and goals.

We encourage students to take part in our broader mission through:

• Vaccination campaigns in indigenous villages
• Educational outreach in local elementary schools
• Participation in community census efforts

Beyond clinical work, we believe in immersing students in the vibrant culture of Ecuador. We encourage exploration of our beautiful town, its charming coffee shops, restaurants, and breathtaking natural surroundings, including volcanic crater lakes, scenic hikes, and waterfalls.

Segundo Luis Moreno y Tarqui
Cotacachi, Imbabura, Ecuador
100350
Cotacachi
Ecuador