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Brilliant 4.78rating (89)

Veterinary Medicine Experience

location
2 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 21 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Join a team of qualified veterinary professionals working with various types of domestic animals, livestock to wildlife in South Africa to gain hands-on practical experience.
  • Gain extra practical experience while helping a very busy qualified veterinary medicine doctor working with low income pet owners and rescued and surrendered animals
  • Assist with vaccinations, parasite treatment and veterinary care to low income pet owners at a monthly community mobile veterinary clinic

Highlights

  • Join a team of qualified veterinary professionals working with various types of domestic animals, livestock to wildlife in South Africa to gain hands-on practical experience.
  • Gain extra practical experience while helping a very busy qualified veterinary medicine doctor working with low income pet owners and rescued and surrendered animals
  • Assist with vaccinations, parasite treatment and veterinary care to low income pet owners at a monthly community mobile veterinary clinic
  • Take part in assisting veterinary doctors from various clinic practices on a monthly mass spay day at a local animal welfare
  • Jam packed weekends filled with extreme sports, whale & dolphin watching, local markets, lagoon cruises, beach & forest walks, wildlife safaris & animal sanctuaries

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 21+
    Singles
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Are you studying veterinary medicine, nursing or technology? We have two projects rolled in one that are especially for those qualified or studying these related sciences

    We have two different veterinary practices that we place our vet students, interns, nurses, technicians and qualified veterinary participants in Knysna. Both have very dedicated qualified staff and both are very different in work routine, treatments and patients. Participants are placed according to ...

    About the program

    We have two different veterinary practices that we place our vet students, interns, nurses, technicians and qualified veterinary participants in Knysna. Both have very dedicated qualified staff and both are very different in work routine, treatments and patients. Participants are placed according to availability and their personal needs and goals.

    Animal Welfare

    This animal welfare project is a privately funded, non-profit association solely working for the benefit of animals found mostly in underprivileged areas.  Acting and speaking for those who have no voice, the society engages in rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing where possible, education programs and daily clinics, as well as operating a sterilization program which operates on a weekly basis, servicing the greater Knysna area. Besides responding to distressed call-outs from the public, the society is often also driven to engage in the welfare of larger animals, that although not falling within their jurisdiction, cannot likewise be ignored. Once a month they host a mass spay day that  takes place at the clinic with veterinary doctors from private practices in the local area joining in to sterilize as many dogs and cats as possible. To prevent unwanted puppies and kittens, sterilizations are very high on the agenda.

    Education is power, and to the best of their abilities, the staff of the society distributes visual pamphlets on both the care of animals, feeding requirements, and disease protection and control.  Many of the pet owners have wonderfully cared for and loved animals, but sadly these cases are in the minority, leaving the heavily financially burdened society and limited staff with an awesome, and for the most part, heartbreaking task. The welfare also treats those with lower incomes with low cost veterinary treatment which there is a huge need for.

    Private practise

    This private veterinary clinic practice has been established for many decades and is the largest in the area and much loved by the residents and their furry family. They have numerous veterinary doctors, nurses and staff has an excellent reputation for their veterinary treatment with modern equipment. Aside from domestic animals in the greater Knysna area that they treat they also treat livestock and horses in the neighbouring farming areas and wildlife from rehabilitation centers in the area. They hold a mobile veterinary clinic in the poorer areas of the Knysna townships on the first Wednesday morning of the month for vaccinations, flea and mange treatment and to veterinary care. They also treat rescued injured and sick wildlife- both birds and animals- brought in by the local public, for free



    Typical day

    7.30am - Up for breakfast, get ready for the day and pack a light lunch

    8am- You will be collected by our driver and taken to either the veterinary practice or the animal welfare depending on which part of the project you have been accepted on. 

    8.30am- the day starts with hospital rounds checking on ...

    Typical day

    7.30am - Up for breakfast, get ready for the day and pack a light lunch

    8am- You will be collected by our driver and taken to either the veterinary practice or the animal welfare depending on which part of the project you have been accepted on. 

    8.30am- the day starts with hospital rounds checking on the overnight patients and then any scheduled operations will take place followed by consultations

    13pm- break for lunch

    14pm- Time for more consultations

    4pm to 5pm- you will be fetched by our driver and taken to your volunteer accommodation. If there are late emergencies you would like to take part in to gain extra experience, we encourage you to stay a little later

    Due to the nature of veterinary work, it is impossible to say which veterinary treatment or operations will be taking place as the work is very varied due to the case loads at the time. You may also be required to join a veterinary doctor on field trips treating larger animals like cows or horses on neighbouring farms or assisting at a satellite veterinary clinic in a neighbouring town



    Free-time activities

    Knysna is one of South Africa’s favourite towns based around the beautiful Knysna estuary with views of the iconic headlands. It is not known as the jewel of the Garden Route for nothing and is surrounded by magical forests, farmlands and a breath-taking coastline dotted with blue flag beaches ...

    Free-time activities

    Knysna is one of South Africa’s favourite towns based around the beautiful Knysna estuary with views of the iconic headlands. It is not known as the jewel of the Garden Route for nothing and is surrounded by magical forests, farmlands and a breath-taking coastline dotted with blue flag beaches which are great for swimming, barbequing or just simply watching dolphins surfing in the waves. It is also home to the famous elusive Knysna elephant which are the most southern free roaming elephants in the world and there are still hot debates about the numbers with some saying there is only one left and others a small herd of about 4.

    The area that Knysna is situated is the Garden Route of the province of the Western Cape and it is a dream for animal lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts as there are numerous private wildlife reserves, national parks, whale watching, predator sanctuaries, primate sanctuaries, elephant sanctuaries, wolf sanctuaries, skydiving, paragliding, sandboarding, numerous interesting markets and so much more so boredom is not an option.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 21 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 21 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Nursing at Students, qualified or retired professionals level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Must be fluent in English

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Food, shared accommodation, meeting you at the airport, airport collection and drop-off, weekly transport to and from your project, donation, pre-departure support, in-country staff, 24- emergency help and more

    Airport Pickup at George Airport

    Airport collection and drop off is included only in Monday to Fridays. You will need to fly into George Airport for your airport collection where you will be met by your Volunteer International Adventures representative and driven to your volunteer accommodation in Knysna.

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is a lovely self-catering apartment in the town of Knysna close to shopping malls, restaurants, take-aways, gyms, nightlife, entertainment areas and essential services. There is security and the area is safe to walk around. Accommodation is either shared with another volunteer or single depending on volunteer numbers with each room having its own bedroom with either double or twin beds, a TV, bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet, living area and a kitchen. There is also WIFI. Couples, friends, and families can be accommodated.

    Food & Beverages

    You will receive a food allowance during your volunteer project to cover your basic essentials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As part of your induction upon arrival in Knysna, you'll be taken on a grocery shopping trip. A fully equipped kitchen is available for you to prepare and cook your meals. Additionally, the area offers plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and take-away options for your convenience.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in George. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Starting days are Monday to Friday all year around.

    2026 Dates are open
    Fully booked:
    2nd to the 15th of February 2026  
    4th of May to the 17th of July 2026




    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $733 per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 21 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Meet your project coordinator

    Sharon
    89
    reviews
    4.78
    Brilliant
    2020
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English
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    Contact Sharon
      Very high response rate
    Afrikaans, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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