Alaska
We have an exciting trip to Alaska! DVMs, Vet Techs, and Vet students are needed to travel to Hoonah, Alaska, with Dr. Richard Lentz to conduct outreach in this community. If you are interested in a US trip, this could be a perfect opportunity for you to grow your faith while engaging in veterinary work.
Hoonah is an Alaskan, mostly native TLINGIT, village of approximately 600 residents. This increases in the summer as it is tourist season and cruise ships stop there. It is located in southeast Alaska on the Inside Passage on Icy Strait, approximately 13 miles east of the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park, or 50 miles SSW of Juneau.
Space is extremely limited, so the trip leader will speak with each interested volunteer before enrolling. Click "Express Interest" if you are interested in serving!
Dates: August 13-20, 2026
Trip Leader: Dr. Richard Lentz
Vet Work: There are currently no veterinary services available in Hoonah. CVM has been asked to come and treat the small animal population. Most of the work will be treating and conducting spays/neuters on community dogs and cats. It will be common to vaccinate and deworm several dozen animals and conduct spays, neuters, minor surgery, and illness diagnosis on a few more.
Ministry Work: There will be many opportunities to worship with believers, either in churches or in homes. The veterinary work also provides opportunities to share the Gospel and build relationships to help the local church with outreach. Be prepared to share your testimony in various settings. Additional ministry outreach may include a field trip for the high school biology/science students, as well as a VBS event for smaller children one evening near the local church. These and other opportunities will be arranged closer to the trip.
Number Needed: 4 DVMs, 6-8 Vet Techs, and 1-2 Vet Students; Maximum 13 total
Cost: $850 (not including airfare to and from Juneau, AK); All vet and pre-vet students will receive a $150 scholarship toward their trip costs if they are involved in your local CVF.
Additional Info: The group will be hosted by some community leaders and the Village of Hoonah. You will be staying at the Salvation Army facility and doing the surgery there. Lodging and meals are provided. The police force, city offices, local leaders and tribal members, and businesses will all be participating during the mission.
There are numerous sightseeing opportunities in Hoonah, located on Chichagof Island (the 2nd most dense brown bear population in Alaska). Whale watching tours, charter fishing, kayaking, jeep tours, the longest zipline in Alaska, and the largest in the world, and more are available nearby! Our host is trying to line up some of these tours as a thank you for our help with their veterinary needs.
The group will leave from Juneau to Hoonah via the Ferry departing on August 13 very early in the morning, so travel to Juneau will need to be arranged in time to arrive on August 12. On the return from Hoonah, the group will depart via the ferry to Juneau on the evening of August 20. Volunteers can book a late-night flight out of Juneau on the 20th, or stay with the team and depart Juneau on August 21 at their leisure.