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Veterinary Internship
It is our goal to allow our interns to grow in the direction of their interests and work towards their long-term goals. Will be expected to shadow veterinary staff and assist with the daily running of the center. We require that applicants are studying or have graduated from a veterinary-related field and have clinical experience. Common Experiences: Interns for one month: Feeding neonate and juvenile animals Assisting and observing animal emergencies and triage Observing surgeries Observing and learning about necropsies (may be qualified to perform necropsies) Loading syringes and administering medications to animals Assisting with animal husbandry Preparing diet and nutritional needs Record keeping Collecting browse and leaves for the animals Taking part in educational lectures/workshops Interns more than a month also: Completing independent necropsies, depending on the animals we receive Assisting and observing animal surgeries Honing critical care skills like bandaging techniques, inserting catheters for an IV, and fluid therapy Practicing and learning about different suturing techniques Practicing wild animal medicine and pharmacology Assisting with physiotherapy
It is our goal to allow our interns to grow in the direction of their interests and work towards their long-term goals. Will be expected to shadow veterinary staff and assist with the daily running of the center. We require that applicants are studying or have graduated from a veterinary-related field and have clinical experience. Common Experiences: Interns for one month: Feeding neonate and juvenile animals Assisting and observing animal emergencies and triage Observing surgeries Observing and learning about necropsies (may be qualified to perform necropsies) Loading syringes and administering medications to animals Assisting with animal husbandry Preparing diet and nutritional needs Record keeping Collecting browse and leaves for the animals Taking part in educational lectures/workshops Interns more than a month also: Completing independent necropsies, depending on the animals we receive Assisting and observing animal surgeries Honing critical care skills like bandaging techniques, inserting catheters for an IV, and fluid therapy Practicing and learning about different suturing techniques Practicing wild animal medicine and pharmacology Assisting with physiotherapy
Program Highlights
Assist with feeding, husbandry, and medical care for neonate, juvenile, and adult animals.
Observe surgeries, triage emergencies, and learn necropsy procedures, with opportunities to perform independent tasks for longer-term interns.
Gain experience in administering medications, fluid therapy, bandaging, catheter insertion, and suturing under professional supervision.
Prepare diets, collect browse and leaves, and support animal enrichment programs to promote health and wellbeing.
Participate in lectures, workshops, and independent projects to deepen knowledge in veterinary care, wildlife medicine, and conservation.
Quick Details
- Dominical, Costa Rica
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Dominical, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Availability
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Group living
- Independent living
Salary & Compensation
No Salary
Qualifications & Experience
- Spanish
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- Doctorate degree
- Professional degree
- Master’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to speak Spanish in order to be considered?
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.
Are there opportunities to help outside the clinic?
While the 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 at once?
Because of the size of our clinic and the typical workload, we do not accept more than two vet interns at any given time.
Do interns assist with night shifts for sick or orphaned animals?
While this depends on the animals we will be treating during your visit, it is likely that vet interns will be asked to feed or medicate sick/orphaned animals throughout the night once a week.
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