Volunteer as a vet in South Africa

This unique experience gives you the chance to join African wildlife vets in their day-to-day activities.

Based in one of South Africa’s most prolific areas for wildlife, you’ll treat species you may have only seen on television or read about in books. Working with wild animals, you’ll regularly face situations that are unpredictable and require you to think quickly.

Working alongside experienced vets in a small group, you’ll learn lots of new skills and gain experience of treating and handling African wildlife. You’ll also get the chance to explore rural Africa - travelling to many different locations to treat animals.

We work with many experienced vets and will pair you with a tutor who matches your personal goals and interests. This will give you the chance to discover the skills and experiences you want.

Because you will join the vets on real work, we can’t predict what activities you will take part in, but the typical work for our volunteer vets includes helping to capture and relocate wild animals, learning how vets treat dangerous animals, and assisting with disease prevention and pregnancy testing in the field.

As a veterinary volunteer, you’ll also play an important role in wildlife conservation. Not just treating individual animals but also helping wildlife reserves manage their wildlife populations.

“I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who has an interest in wildlife conservation and wants to test themselves and take their veterinary experience to the next level.”

What makes us different to other companies?

• We are southern Africa’s original conservation travel company, made up of qualified zoologists and conservationists.
• Every traveller of ours receives personal guidance before they book to ensure we find the right experience for their goals and passions.
• We work with a range of real partner projects, offering hands-on experience and meaningful work, so you know your efforts are truly making a difference.
• We bring people together from all around the world, so you can make friendships for life.
• We offer 24/7 in-country support. We will meet you when you arrive, see you safely onto your flight home, and throughout your trip we are always available if you need assistance or just want a chat.
• All money paid to us is financially protected through ABTA or ATOL, giving you full peace of mind when booking with us that your money is safe.
• We are full members of the Year Out Group, specialists in gap year travel programmes.