Veterinary Volunteer Programs Abroad | Hands-On Animal Care

Name: Veterinary Volunteer Programs Abroad | Hands-On Animal Care
Brand: Oyster Worldwide
SKU: 297374
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

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5.00 Rating

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Location

South Africa

Program Tags

Conservation Wilderness

General grants/scholarships, Payment plans

Health & Safety

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Pricing

Starting Price

1800

Price Details

Veterinary experiences and pre-vet internships for college available.

Last Updated: May 01, 2025

Last Reviewed: Apr 19, 2022

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3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Explore unique opportunities with our veterinary volunteer projects, designed for aspiring vets, vet nurses, and qualified professionals seeking meaningful, real-world experience. Choose from specialized veterinary placements or more general roles in animal care. Get hands-on with exotic animals, or support the health of domestic pets and livestock. Whether you're building a veterinary career or simply passionate about animal welfare, our programs provide a diverse and rewarding experience.

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Sustainability

Oyster Worldwide is passionate about the importance of responsible travel. We want our projects to fit in with the local way of life, without having a negative impact on the environment, culture or economy. This means that we will only send participants to places where there is a real need and where we have been asked to work. Once there, they should fit in with the community, respecting their way of life and supporting, rather than taking, local jobs.

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Program Highlights

Expert Guidance: Work closely with professionals on game reserves, farms, and veterinary clinics.
Diverse Animal Care: Gain hands-on experience with a range of animals, from wildlife to farm and domestic animals.
Explore South Africa: Discover the beauty of South Africa during your free time.
Global Connections: Interact with participants worldwide, forming lasting connections.
Boost Your Career: Enhance your journey by adding a conservation career course, providing valuable skills for job applications post-trip.

Popular Programs

Veterinary Experience

Embark on a Wildlife Adventure: With enthusiasm and no experience necessary, join our African veterinary experience, shadowing veterinarians and wildlife specialists in their day-to-day activities. Ideal for those eager to earn about exotic game. Home to the iconic Big 5 and hundreds of other species, this reserve offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and witness incredible creatures up close. Enrich your journey with game drives and conservation efforts combined!

Veterinary Internship

Experience hands-on veterinary learning with our pre-vet internship, immersing you in the life of a mobile vet abroad. Divided into four sections, your days will vary:
Wildlife Veterinary Experience: Work in game reserves with iconic African animals.
Livestock Health: Assist on farms, enhancing the well-being of animals.
Domestic Animal Care: Visit villages and clinics, working with local pets.
Clinic Assistance: Observe and assist the resident vet.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 3 reviews

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5 rating 100%
4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Housing 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Value 5
Safety 5

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

An incredible experience that I will cherish for life. South Africa is a stunning country! I took part in farm work, community outreach projects, work in the zoo and aquarium, and game capture. I had support from beginning to end, and all of my questions were answered.
The practical experience gained was fantastic, something that will stand me in very good stead for university. I made new friends, and gained so much confidence both in meeting new people and travelling solo.
Weekends were free to do whatever you wanted so you had plenty of time to explore and have fun. Would definitely recommend!

Pros

Practical veterinary experience
Travel and cultural experience
Support and safety

Cons

Having to say goodbye at end!

View of Chintsa Beach from the accommodation.

A weekend away in Port Elizabeth visiting Addo Elephant National Park.

Farm work - including cattle, goats, and sheep.

The staff were really supportive and interactive. Very hands on, full of practical opportunities and staff that really cared about your experience. I would really recommend this placement to anyone that is contemplating a career in vet meds or as a vet nurse. Opportunities you wouldn’t get anywhere else in my opinion and the social life of the placement is great and you get to know so many different people from across the world and also the local people are fantastic and are very helpful. If i ever have the chance i would like to go back!

What would you improve about this program?

Everything was perfect, I feel that there are no changes that need to apply

I had such an amazing time in South Africa thanks to Oyster Worldwide. All the logistics and organization of the trip were handled so well I was able to just focus on my project and making the most of my time in South Africa. Additionally, the opportunity provided by Oyster to shadow a vet in that setting was one of a kind and one of the best experiences of my life. On top of all that I met some amazing people and forged friendships with people that I still keep in touch with. None of this would have been possible if not for Oyster Worldwide!

What would you improve about this program?

It was perfect!

Response from Oyster Worldwide

Hi Maya,
Thank you so much for your kind words, so pleased your found this program fun and educational! :)

By Oyster Worldwide on September 25, 2018

Questions & Answers

Location

Location:

South Africa

Currency:

South African Rand

Weather:

Jan-Mar

81 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

68 F / 46 F

Jul-Sep

66 F / 45 F

Oct-Dec

77 F / 52 F

Airports:

O. R. Tambo International Airport

( JNB )

Cape Town International Airport

( CPT )

King Shaka International Airport

( DUR )

South Africa is often thought of as resoundingly unstable and poor; however, this is far from the case. The duality in South Africa encompasses big cities with a well-developed infrastructure, as well as rural areas that are underdeveloped and impoverished. South Africa is well known for having 11 recognized languages, beautiful landscapes, world-class universities, and an abundance of animals.

About Oyster Worldwide

Oyster Worldwide is a respected gap year and responsible travel organisation. Since 2006, we have been sending volunteers and workers overseas on our exciting projects. Our friendly team is dedicated to providing a personal service, offering support through every step of your journey. Our projects are located in 24 destinations and range from paid...