Phezulu is proud to offer this unique and special program for students seeking diverse, real-world, and practical experience working with small and large animals, as well as wildlife, in line with their studies in veterinary practice, animal husbandry, conservation, or game and livestock farming. We provide convenient access to diverse animals (including horses, sheep, and cattle), as well as rich wildlife habitats and game farms where students can work with antelopes, bucks, zebras, giraffes, and big cats, to name a few.
Phezulu Pre-Vet provides unique opportunities for students to work alongside and learn directly from qualified animal professionals with diverse experience. These include veterinary practitioners, farmers, game rangers, animal feed specialists, and veterinary physiotherapists.
Our study program is suitable for pre-vet students and undergraduates seeking to hone essential skills in a real working environment during their studies. We work closely with universities and colleges to meet the specific, practical elements required for their courses.
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Updated Oct 14, 2025
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18-30
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Review this ProgramShowing 1-4 of 4 reviews
Taking on this pre vet program was an amazing choice. Cupie and Trevor were very welcoming, and had many plans set for us during the entire duration of the program. I’ve learned so much and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. Truly grateful for all I’ve learned and experienced with my South African family!
This program completely exceeded my expectations and I learned so much. Beginning with Cupie and Trevor who made me feel extremely welcome and comfortable the whole stay and have made a huge impact on my life. I am very grateful for the opportunities they gave me and knowledge they shared with me. I really enjoyed doing hands on work at multiple farms as well mini lectures on veterinary topics. I love how the program was not solely focused work; we also had the opportunity to learn about the culture and take part in activities such as hiking and sightseeing. I cannot recommend this program enough!!!! It really has solidified my interest in veterinary work.
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The Pagel family go above and beyond in so many ways. They open their home to students and give them an experience of a lifetime. I was given so many amazing opportunities and experiences, all things that I’d never be able to do back home. I met so many different people and learnt many things that I will be able to take with me for the rest of my life. It was a fun, educational and incredible experience that I will never forget.
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My time with Phezulu Pre-Vet was truly life-changing. Being able to work so closely and interact with wild and farm animals such as zebras, sheep’s, antelopes, and many others of animals was an unforgettable experience. Assisting with animal care, learning about conservation, and observing veterinary work in the field taught me more than any textbook ever could. The program team was encouraging and always willing to share their expertise. This experience made me more confident about my career path and gave me a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the importance of protecting it.
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FAQs
Get answers to all the most common questions about Phezulu Pre-Vet.
No. Our program doesn't require prior experience; we welcome students from diverse backgrounds. This program is designed to provide students with hands-on veterinary experience, whether it is to build a resume, to determine if veterinary medicine is to experience the wildlife of Africa while helping animals.
Students will be supervised at all times, and all activities and safaris will be handled by professional and experienced staff.
We believe our program is unique, setting us apart from other programs in South Africa, thanks to the support of our farmers. We also work with a vet physiotherapist, adding another dimension to our program. Altogether, we believe that these experiences expose our students to various fields within the veterinary industry.
Students will gain experience in injecting, drenching, safe handling of animals, pregnancy testing, artificial insemination, fertility testing, chemical immobilization of wildlife, conservation initiatives, castrating, tailing of lambs, dipping, ear notching, and plenty more!
Although our program is private, we also offer theoretical lessons. These include the chemical immobilization of wildlife, introduction to anatomy, natural nutrition of livestock and wildlife, supplementary feeding, and animal healthcare. We also tackle prominent cattle, sheep, and goat breeds in South Africa. These lectures are compiled in a Phezulu Pre-Vet booklet you can keep.
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Participated in 2025
AlumniAnika Freestone, 24, is from Perth, Western Australia. She is an animal lover, regardless of whether the animal is large or small. She is a registered...
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to experience how people all over the world do things, but I’ve always been drawn to South Africa because of what its wildlife and animals have to offer.
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