How to Volunteer at a Veterinary Clinic Abroad

If you’re an animal lover with wanderlust who wants to make a positive impact, it’s no wonder you want to find out how to volunteer at a vet clinic. Volunteering with animals anywhere in the world is immensely rewarding. It allows you to protect animal species of all kinds, from domesticated cats and dogs in under-resourced areas to some of the most exotic but endangered wildlife out there.

Many countries around the world lack the resources and funds to provide adequate care for their animals, so volunteer vets aren’t only helpful, they’re needed. Whether you’re a veterinary student seeking practical experience in the field or an animal lover with a passion for service, volunteering at a veterinary clinic abroad offers a valuable blend of professional development and personal growth.

But before you go, there are a few things to consider to make the process and experience easier. Here’s everything you need to know about how to volunteer at a veterinary clinic.

Are there requirements to volunteer at a vet clinic?

Volunteering at a vet clinic is a great way to put your love of animals into action.

You may be wondering, what do I need to get the process rolling? The truth is every volunteer program has its own unique requirements. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering volunteering at a vet clinic abroad.

Most programs require vaccination records and some form of a background check. This may look like providing reference checks, verifying your criminal history, and showing proof of vaccinations against diseases prevalent in the host country. These could include things like rabies, tetanus, and hepatitis, but it’s best to check in with the program and a doctor to confirm what’s needed. Programs will likely require comprehensive travel insurance to cover health, accident, and liability, too.

What about academic and professional experience? Can you volunteer at a vet clinic without any veterinary experience? Again, this depends on the program.

While some clinics welcome volunteers without formal veterinary training as a way to gain experience in the field, others may require a degree or proof of current study in a veterinary or animal science field. This ensures volunteers have the basic knowledge to assist with medical procedures and animal care.

Last but not least, check each program’s language requirementss. In rural areas where English is not widely spoken, basic proficiency in the local language might be necessary to communicate with staff and pet owners. However, many programs have English-speaking vets, meaning you can get by without a foreign language.

How to volunteer at a vet clinic

Want to learn how to volunteer at a vet clinic? We’ve got you covered.

As with any travel experience, it’s important to start with your research. Look at the big picture as well as the nitty-gritty details. You’ll want to consider programs, location, what kinds of animals you’d like to work with and the work you’d like to participate in as a volunteer, as well as the checklist of requirements for your program of choice.

The process can feel overwhelming at the start, but lucky for you, GoAbroad has broken it down for you. Here are the key steps in learning how to volunteer at a vet clinic abroad:

1. Decide where to go.

The first step if you want to volunteer with animals is to decide where you want to go. There are countries all over the world that have opportunities to volunteer at vet clinics, and often volunteers choose their location and timing based on the kind of animals they want to work with.

Southeast Asia is an excellent location to work with strays and street dogs who are threatened by malnutrition, disease, and motorbike accidents, and who don’t receive proper vet care. There, you may be assisting with spaying and neutering or administering vaccinations and medication.

Meanwhile in Africa, you’ll find volunteer opportunities on game reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. These programs may focus more on conservation and management, protecting wild animals from habitat loss, poaching, and deforestation. If you’d love to volunteer with marine life, Central America is a hotspot for ecotourism and sea turtle conservation.

2. Choose a program.

Whether you’re looking to work with majestic wildlife or domesticated pets, the perfect volunteer opportunity is waiting for you.

Once you’ve narrowed down the “where,” it’s time to choose your program, browse through GoAbroad’s veterinary science volunteer program directory. You’ll find programs where you can work with street animals in shelters, at wildlife sanctuaries with larger animals, or in vet clinics—all to gain hands-on experience.

You can narrow your search down by country and duration, read reviews, and get a feel for what program aligns best with you. You may even find a program that totally inspires you, even if it wasn’t initially what you were looking for. Don’t forget to check the program length to see what’s realistic for you. Programs typically range anywhere from a few weeks to six months.

3. Decide when to go.

Deciding on the “when” is usually easiest once you’ve narrowed down your country and location. When deciding when to go, consider a few factors: When is the program available, and when is a good time to travel to your desired host country?

Some destinations are available year-round, while others may be drastically affected by weather, like monsoons. This may be an important factor to consider, as dangerous weather patterns can interrupt travel plans and access to your volunteer placement and put your well-being at risk.

4. Make a checklist of program requirements.

Always check specific program requirements so you know you’re set up for success.

When exploring how to volunteer at a vet clinic, it’s important to make sure you’re able to meet the program requirements. Programs will list their criteria and will often give you a checklist of required documents needed in order to apply. A few things to consider are:

• Background check.
• Vaccinations.
• Application.
• Degree / professional experience.
• Language requirement.
• Visa.
• Travel insurance.

5. Create a budget.

Before you make any travel plans, consider your budget. Can you volunteer at a vet clinic with the finances you have access to? Volunteering program fees can range from $1,000 upwards to $5,000, depending on the length and location.

The good thing about volunteering abroad is that for many programs, the program fee covers most of your on-the-ground expenses, like accommodation and food, and sometimes even airport transfers. The extras you’ll need to consider will mostly be your pre-trip expenses and travel expenses—application fee, travel insurance, passport, visa, vaccinations, and flights.

Make a list of your expenses and start saving and budgeting now. If you’re worried about covering the costs, fundraising is always a great option if you’re headed to volunteer abroad.

READ: Funding for Volunteering Abroad 101

6. Submit your application.

Hit send on that application. You’re on your way to a fulfilling experience volunteering with animals!

One key step in figuring out how to volunteer in a vet clinic is navigating the application process. It doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds—after all, you’ve already done your research!

Go back to the checklist of program requirements you made for yourself, gather your documents, and take some time to fill out the application online. Give yourself undivided time for this step to ensure you don’t leave any holes in the application.

7. Apply for your visa.

Accepted into your program? Well done! Now it’s time to get your travel arrangements in order.

Not every destination requires a visa for volunteering, and others may, depending on the length of your stay. Check in with the travel requirements of your country, as well as with the program. If you require a visa, give yourself plenty of time to apply for it before you go.

8. Book your flight.

You’re nearly there! The only thing standing between you and the volunteer trip of your dreams is a short (or long) flight. Go ahead and book your flight, and while you’re at it, purchase some travel insurance so you’re covered when you go and pack your bags for the adventure of a lifetime.

Get custom veterinary science volunteer program matches right now

3 volunteer programs at vet clinics

From small pets to the Big 5, so many animals can benefit from your passion and knowledge.

Not all vet clinic volunteer programs were created equal. When learning how to volunteer at a veterinary clinic, choosing a program that’s right for you is crucial. There are endless options out there, but most will come down to location, length, and the type of animals and work you’ll be participating in while volunteering abroad. Here are some of GoAbroad’s top vet clinic programs to inspire you:

1. Wildlife Veterinary Assistance in South Africa

• Why? African Impact takes you on a three-week volunteering adventure to South Africa, where you’ll be able to lend a hand at saving wildlife from extinction and care for animals on private game reserves. This program is for those who already have experience in the veterinary field, ideally for those who are already qualified vets or vet nurses, or those enrolled in a degree program and who have completed three years of study.
• With African Impact, you’ll gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, learning about the legal and ethical considerations of wildlife work in South Africa. You’ll also get to participate in animal care, capturing and treating animals in need.
• Where? South Africa
• Read African Impact reviews

2. College Veterinary Service: Thailand

• Why? Loop Abroad is perfect for young university students who are considering going to veterinary school post-college. This two-week all-inclusive program takes you to Thailand, where you’ll get a chance to work with two very different kinds of animals. For one week, you’ll volunteer at an elephant sanctuary, caring for elephants directly and providing them with check-ups, while the second week will take you to a local dog rescue center, where you’ll assist with basic procedures and health exams.
• This program blends hard work with cultural immersion and adventure. Your days will be spent volunteering, while your evenings will be full of zip lining, exploring street markets, and soaking in the hospitality of Thai culture. The cherry on top is that Loop Abroad can provide college credit for your studies back home.
• Where? Thailand
• Read Loop Abroad reviews

3. Veterinary Experience in South Africa

• Why? Want the African wildlife experience, but don’t have a vet degree or experience? Oyster Worldwide gives animal lovers the opportunity to volunteer on a Big 5 game reserve, even without a degree.
• All you need is a passion for giving back to wildlife, and you’ll find yourself working alongside experienced vets to care for animals, assist in minor operations, give vitamin boosters, monitor animal behavior, and participate in wildlife management and conservation. The program provides food and accommodation to volunteers and is based near Port Elizabeth, meaning you’ll have access to incredible beach days on your weekends off.
• Where? South Africa
• Read Oyster Worldwide reviews

Explore ALL Veterinary Science Volunteer Programs!

Whether you want to gain experience or just love animals, volunteering at a vet clinic is worth it!

Your passion for helping animals will find a home at a vet clinic.

Volunteering at a vet clinic is an incredibly fulfilling adventure that allows you to combine your love for animals with the excitement of exploring new places far and wide. Whether you’re driven by a desire to gain real-life experience in veterinary medicine or simply want to contribute to animal welfare in under-resourced areas, the opportunities are endless.

Once you’ve done your research and have a solid understanding of how to volunteer at a veterinary clinic, there’s nothing holding you back. Let your passion fuel you and get ready to start planning an unforgettable volunteering experience at a vet clinic abroad.