Pre-Vet Internship

memories for a lifetime

Pre-Vet Internship

Explore Veterinary Science in the Heart of South Africa

The Pre-Vet Internship offers an immersive, hands-on experience designed for students and aspiring veterinary professionals who want to deepen their understanding of animal care and veterinary practice in a real-world setting. This unique programme balances practical fieldwork with interactive learning, giving participants the opportunity to work closely with wildlife, livestock and domestic animals while gaining valuable insight into animal welfare, health and veterinary science.

Participants spend their time in a variety of environments, from game reserves and private nature estates to working farms and rural community settings, engaging in activities that support both animal care and conservation. You will be part of a supportive team that encourages learning by doing, observing experienced professionals and participating in tasks such as animal handling, basic health assessments, livestock care and community outreach.

This internship is ideal for students preparing to apply to vet school, those already enrolled in veterinary or animal science programmes, or anyone passionate about building practical experience in veterinary and animal welfare fields. As part of your experience you will interact with a broad range of species and gain exposure to the challenges and rewards of working with animals in both rural and wildlife-focused contexts.

Why Join the Pre-Vet Internship

  • Practical veterinary experience: Learn foundational skills in animal care, health assessment and management in authentic settings.

  • Diverse animal exposure: Interact with wildlife, agricultural livestock and companion animals.

  • Interactive learning: Combine fieldwork with guided lectures and structured reflection to enhance your understanding of animal health and welfare.

Learn More

Interested in broadening your conservation and animal welfare experience? See our other wildlife-focused options such as the Big 5 Wildlife Course and Wildlife Conservation Project.

For global context on internships in veterinary science, reputable resources such as Volunteer World explain how veterinary internships abroad help students gain valuable skills and prepare for future studies in veterinary medicine.

Details about the project

What's included

Arrival Day: Monday 

Time: Recommended arrival time is 11:30am  – no later than 14:00pm

Airport: East London Airport 

Departure Day: Monday 

Departure time: Your flight can depart anytime after 14:00pm on a  Monday 

Min Age: 16 – (16 & 17 year old with parental consent forms)

Max Age: N/A – Good physical and mental health 

NOTE: We can also collect you at any Hotel or place of accommodation on your arrival day, should it be within close radius of the City centre or Airport. This project is closed in the months of December, January. – reopens the 2nd Monday in January

Walking Tour

Walking tour of Cape Town City Centre and historic sites

24 hour assistance

24 hr local support in Cape Town

Socials

6 social/visits during your internship

Details about the project

Pre-Vet Internship Details

  • Arrival Day – Friday 
  • Time – Your flight can land anytime on Friday 
  • Airport – Cape Town International Airport (CPT) 
  • Orientation – Friday – Saturday 
  • Internship Starts – Monday (You will be collected at your orientation accommodation and taken to the internship) 
  • Min Age: 18 
  • Minimum duration: 3 weeks

NOTE: You can also be collected at any hotel or place of accommodation on your arrival day, should it be within close radius of the city center or Airport

Training in; 

  • Health and Safety 
  • Immobilisation and tranquillisation 
  • Game Capture 
  • Animal management 
  • Animal health and nutrition
  • Community work 
  • Veterinary work 
  • Inoculations 
  • Animal welfare support

Monday

AM

Arrivals 

PM

Community Work

Tuesday

AM

Large Animal Practice

PM

Large Animal Practice

Wednesday

AM

Exotic Animal Handling

PM

Large Animal Practice

Thursday

AM

Large Animal Practice

PM

Small Animal Practice

Friday

AM

Small Animal Practicel

PM

Wild Management

Saturday

AM

Off

PM

Off

Sunday

AM

Off

PM

Off

  • Letter of motivation
  • 2 written references
  • Police clearance
  • Return flight
  • 18 or over 
  • Good state of health
  • In possession of good social and communicative skills
  • Basic English level 
  •  

7

Activity level

9

Education level

9

Involvement level

5

Independence level

Our Recommendation

Other Packages

Namibia

Rhino Rangers Project

South Africa

Chimpanzee Project

South Africa

Cheetah Project

Let's Talk
Diverse group of volunteers assisting with wildlife conservation fieldwork in the South African savannah alongside a conservation ranger.
Group Travel Offer

Travel together. Give back together.

Bring 4 friends on a selected SAVE project and your programme fee is covered for the same minimum stay.

Ts & Cs

  • Valid on selected projects only (Adventure Club, Botswana Wild, Prevet, Wild Cat, Student Groups).
  • Valid for new bookings only for travel dates up to September 2027.
  • Offer applies when 4 full-paying participants book and travel together.
  • The organiser’s subsidised place is valid for the same minimum duration as the group booking.
  • Longer stays are possible at additional cost.
  • Subject to availability and not combinable with other promotions.

Ready to Get Started?

Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll guide you to the best option. No pressure, no obligation.

What are you interested in?