Junior Veterinary Internship
Program Overview
In order to give you the best experience in the clinic and to be able to give hands-on experiences to a wider range of individuals, we now offer the Junior Veterinary Internship. These are persons who are not in veterinary school, but who are studying pre-vet medicine and/or aim to get into a veterinary program, or are studying/working as vet nurses/technicians.
As a junior vet, you will still get experience in the clinic and nursery; however, with hands-on procedures, preference will be given to veterinary students until you have proved yourself in the clinic to our on-staff veterinarians.
Veterinary internship prerequisites:
At least 18 years old
Can commit to at least one month
Currently studying in a pre-veterinary program or working as a vet nurse/technician, or with previous studies in an animal-related field, and aiming to get into a veterinary program.
Can provide at least 2 educational/ professional references
Can speak fluent English and/ or Spanish
Completes a Zoom interview
https://www.alturaswildlifesanctuary.org/join-our-team/volunteer/
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Updated Mar 30, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Dominical, Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Couples
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Spanish
- Education
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Group living
- Independent living
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
What activities are included for junior interns at AWS?
All interns in this area will shadow our veterinary staff and assist accordingly. Things you will experience include:
* Medicating sick animals
* Assisting with rehabilitative techniques
* Restraining animals for and assisting with clinical check-ups
* Physiotherapy
* Assisting with surgeries
* Preparing diets
* Assisting with orphan care
* Assisting in feeding/cleaning of sanctuary and rehabilitation animals
* Collecting and providing enrichment
Is Spanish language required to apply?
While Spanish language skills are a definite plus, applicants must be fluent in English in order to qualify.
How many surgeries can interns participate in?
Because it is impossible to predict how many emergencies requiring surgery will occur over the course of your time with AWS, we can’t make any promises as to how many surgeries you will be able to assist with or witness. In order to qualify for assisting with surgery, we will look at how many years of study you have completed, the status of your degree, the complexity of the surgery and your level of competence.
Will interns be involved in fieldwork or outdoor tasks?
While the junior veterinary internship’s primary duties revolve around the clinic, vet interns will be expected to assist throughout the rehabilitation center and sanctuary.
How many participants are accepted per session?
Because of the size of our clinic and the typical workload, we do not accept more than two vet/junior vet interns at any given time.
Will I assist in night duties of orphaned or sick animals?
While this depends on the animals we will be treating during your visit, it is likely that junior vet interns will be asked to feed or medicate sick/orphaned animals throughout the night once a week.
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