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Costa Rica Pre-Vet Clinical Wildlife Medicine: Caribbean
by: Loop Abroad
This two-week Costa Rica Pre-Vet Clinical Wildlife Medicine program is based at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The center rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals that have gone through vulnerable situations, such as human-animal conflict and wildlife trafficking, or otherwise need care. You can earn three optional credits while studying wildlife conservation in a group of 8 students. The course includes observing and learning about the Center's animals and gaining insight from your veterinary trip leader and on-site local veterinarian in the classroom, clinic, and rescue center. This program is designed for university-aged students interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. There are no prerequisites, and you don't have to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.
This two-week Costa Rica Pre-Vet Clinical Wildlife Medicine program is based at the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The center rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals that have gone through vulnerable situations, such as human-animal conflict and wildlife trafficking, or otherwise need care. You can earn three optional credits while studying wildlife conservation in a group of 8 students. The course includes observing and learning about the Center's animals and gaining insight from your veterinary trip leader and on-site local veterinarian in the classroom, clinic, and rescue center. This program is designed for university-aged students interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. There are no prerequisites, and you don't have to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.
Program Highlights
Care for sloths, kinkajous, monkeys, parrots, and other Costa Rican animals.
Join a half-day snorkeling adventure and visit the beach after your day at the rescue center.
Learn from dedicated veterinarians about the identification, physiology, and veterinary care of Costa Rican mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Learn about zoonotic diseases, necropsy, nutrition, diagnostics and therapies, wildlife immobilization, and how to ensure the welfare of wild species in captivity.
Perform veterinary labs such as suturing, clinical skills, blood smear analysis, fecal cytology, and blow darting.
Quick Details
- Costa Rica
- Summer
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Ecology
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Such helpful staff.
June 28, 2025by: Macey AndrewsThe staff were all so helpful and because of this wonderful service I never had any issues at all. All of the things we learned were so engaging and useful. I can't wait to bring it all home and put them into practice.
100/10
June 28, 2025by: Valeria MoyerThis program taught me more in two weeks than my one year of clinic work. We had the best support staff and veterinary to have on this trip. The doctor was very nice and funny, as well as his staff. Overall the trip was a 100/10.
So impactful and memorable!
June 28, 2025by: Evelyn WelchI had an amazing time and got experience I wouldn't get elsewhere. Everyone at the Jaguar Rescue Center was so passionate and kind. I got hands on experience and our vet made sure to have engaging and interactive learning that made the trip so much more impactful and memorable.
I could not recommend anything more
June 28, 2025by: Karly AtkinsonI had very little vet experience going into this trip having just decided to go the vet route. It is safe to say I learned far more than I could have imagined in just two weeks and I had so much fun along the way. I feel much more confident going forward with vet school applications. I could not recommend anything more. Thank you Loop Abroad and JRC!
I'm so prepared for my future!
June 28, 2025by: Addison SolisBecause of Loop Abroad I feel better prepared for my future career in veterinary medicine! I have made lifelong friendships and connections that I would not have made without Loop Abroad. My perspective on veterinary care with wildlife and rehabilitation has drastically changed and because of this program, I am extremely excited for what my future holds in this field.
So incredibly educational
July 23, 2024by: Kelsie MccannMy experience at the jaguar center was so incredibly educational. There is no experience I've ever had that has given me as much hands on experience. The patience and chance to learn here really is like no other.
I met forever friends
July 20, 2024by: Darcey VaughanI had such an amazing time. I can definitely say that I'm going home as a completely new person. I met forever friends and am going home with experiences that will stay in my heart for the rest of my life.
Brought back my spark
July 05, 2024by: Sharon StewartThis program completely changed my life and my confidence. It brought back my spark and passion and love for animals that was slowly fading. I now feel so inspired to spread the messages for these animals.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Ecology
- Veterinary Medicine & Science
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
- Summer
Age Requirement
18-25
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Group
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)
- Welcome Dinner
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Required Equipment
- Guide / Chaperone
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Academic Advising
- Assistance Booking Travel
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Textbooks / Reading Materials
- Course Materials
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate of Completion
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Written Application
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