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THAILAND VETERINARY INTERNSHIP

Join a wildlife veterinary internship in Thailand

Looking to gain practical experience in wildlife veterinary care? Now you have a chance to join Thailand’s first-ever wildlife hospital and work alongside experienced vets treating a wide range of rescued animals of all shapes and sizes—from tiny sugar gliders and primates to big cats, bears, and elephants. Imagine walking into a bustling hospital where each day brings a new challenge, and every animal you help contributes directly to a rescue story.

Our partner centre is one of the largest wildlife rescue facilities in Asia, and its brand-new hospital is designed to care for over 900 animals. Here, the work you do doesn’t just support the vets but also helps the animals recover, thrive, and, in some cases, return to the wild. You’ll see firsthand the dedication it takes to manage a wildlife hospital from emergency treatments to daily check-ups, and you’ll play a real part in those efforts.

This internship is perfect for veterinarians, vet technicians, and veterinary students passionate about wildlife medicine. You’ll be part of the daily life of the hospital, learning practical skills while helping animals recover and thrive. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and you’ll leave knowing your work made a real difference in the lives of these incredible animals.

Eligibility Requirements:

The hospital welcomes qualified veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students in at least their third year of study. Applicants must provide proof of experience, graduation, and/or a letter of support from their university.

Your responsibilities & learning opportunities

  • Veterinary Support: Observe and support veterinary rounds, assist with sterile surgical practices, and learn how vets make critical clinical decisions for rescued wildlife.
  • Animal Care: Contribute to daily care and rehabilitation plans, helping monitor recovery and develop species-specific treatment strategies.
  • Clinical Exposure: Gain firsthand experience with triage, trauma care, and long-term management for a wide variety of species.
  • Work Schedule: Expect to work 6:30 am – 5 pm with several breaks throughout the day, 6 days a week, with one day off.
  • Skill Development: Build practical and diagnostic skills under the guidance of experienced vets and vet nurses in a real-world, high-volume wildlife hospital.
  • Academic Support: Academic assignments or clinic-led projects, such as protocol reviews, individual animal assessments, or university research, are all guided by qualified on-site mentors to make your learning practical and relevant.

Looking for more hands-on surgical experience?

For those seeking a more hands-on surgical experience, there is also the opportunity to rotate to the People and Animals Thailand (PAT) Clinic. While the wildlife hospital focuses on the care and rehabilitation of rescued wild species, the PAT Clinic provides a fast-paced clinical environment centered on stray dog and cat population control. Here, you’ll gain practical experience in a sterile, well-organised, and high-volume surgical setting.

Your experience typically includes patient admission and preparation, assisting with sterilisation surgeries, and administering basic. medications under supervision, and supporting patient monitoring through surgery and recovery.

This placement is ideal for veterinary students and professionals who want to build confidence in routine surgical procedures while contributing to a critical animal welfare programme.

Due to the limited number of available places, early application is strongly recommended.

DOWNLOAD JOB DESCRIPTION

♥ FULL-TIME, VOLUNTEER BASIS
♥ DURATION: min. 2 WEEKS (longer stays preferred)
♥ LOCATION: PETCHABURI, THAILAND
♥ TRAINING PROVIDED
♥ PROFESSIONAL VET CLINIC
£799 / 2 weeks (ACCOMMODATION & FOOD)

Please get in touch if you have any questions
[email protected]

Discover Phetchaburi and Thailand's Gulf Coast

The programme is based in Phetchaburi Province, located on Thailand’s western Gulf coast, around 2–3 hours south of Bangkok.

On your days off, discover Phetchaburi, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, known for its historic temples, traditional architecture, and relaxed pace of life. The city is a blend of culture, everyday living, and a welcoming atmosphere.

For a change of pace, the nearby coast is easily accessible, with Cha-Am and Hua Hin offering long beaches, ocean views, and a range of cafés, night markets, and restaurants.

Beyond these, the surrounding landscape is rich in natural diversity. Limestone hills, caves, forested areas, and coastal wetlands create important habitats for wildlife, with nearby protected areas offering opportunities to experience Thailand’s biodiversity.

Together, the region combines nature, culture, and coastal living, creating a well-rounded environment for both work and time outside the programme.

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WHAT YOU CAN OFFER:

  • A degree in veterinary medicine, or currently studying veterinary medicine (minimum 3rd year), veterinary nursing, or veterinary technician studies (proof required)
  • Some clinical experience is desirable
  • Confidence and patience when handling animals
  • Good organisational and project management skills, including basic computer literacy
  • Flexibility and adaptability to working in a different cultural environment
  • Free of (or able to manage) allergies to animal hair, fur, feathers, or dust
  • Up-to-date vaccinations
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Thai is useful but not essential

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN:

  • Hands-on experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse wildlife hospitals
  • Insight into triage, trauma care, and long-term management for a wide range of species
  • Practical veterinary skills by observing and supporting vet rounds, surgeries, and rehabilitation plans
  • Exposure to real-world hospital operations and teamwork
  • Improved observational, diagnostic, and communication skills
  • Gain valuable experience in a new cultural and professional environment to add to your CV
  • Get guidance on academic projects from experienced mentors
  • A deeper understanding of wildlife medicine and conservation in Southeast Asia

YOUR ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION

You will stay in comfortable, European-style bungalows. Rooms are shared by 2-3 people of the same sex, with options for couples, friends, or families on request. Bedding is provided, with fresh linen supplied weekly.

Each room has either an en-suite or shared bathroom with a Western-style toilet and cold shower, plus access to a communal hot-shower area. Rooms are clean on arrival, and participants are expected to keep them tidy.

A 200 baht key deposit is required. All rooms use 220V power outlets compatible with flat and round pins.

YOUR FOOD AND FACILITIES

Volunteers have access to two communal areas for dining and socialising. All meals are provided on-site, with varied breakfast options and mainly traditional Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner, with Western dishes served twice a week.

Meat, vegetarian, and vegan options are clearly labelled at every meal, and free drinking water is available throughout the day.

Free Wi-Fi is provided for general use (please avoid large downloads). On-site facilities also include laundry services, a souvenir shop, and a bar open daily from 5 pm to 7 pm.

START DATES:

This project accepts interns throughout the year.

MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years

Includes:

  • Comfortable accommodation (twin rooms) with en-suite or shared bathroom
  • All daily meals cooked by staff in the canteen
  • Vegetarian and special diets are catered to
  • On-site laundry amenities
  • Souvenir shop and communal bar
  • On-site mentoring for any academic credits or projects
  • Certificate of completion

Excludes: 

  • Flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Transportation to/from the centre
  • Visa costs
  • Additional snacks or drinks

Wildlife volunteering and internships

Help us save wildlife and their habitats!

Malaysian Wildlife is a programme by Biodiversity Business, a non-profit organisation. We’re working to protect endangered animals in Asia. We do this by supporting local conservation projects through eco-tourism, volunteer opportunities, and education.

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