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





