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Internships with SOS Animal

Since 2007, the organization has played a vital role in promoting animal welfare in Portugal. And in 2015, they opened their Veterinary and Solidary Clinic, SOS Animal, giving free medical-veterinary assistance to animals from low income or vulnerable households. Over the years, they have sterilized hundreds of stray, abused, or abandoned animals, and has successfully found new adoption homes for over 600 animals.

SOS Animal’s latest project is to set up an animal and plant sanctuary that will become home to a wide variety of fauna and flora species. The sanctuary will be a beautiful, protected, and well maintained area, spanning 27 hectares of rich, fertile land in the municipality of Santarém. Here, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, chinchillas, rabbits, turkeys, dogs, cats, and many other animals can live peacefully, free from harm or mistreatment. The aim is to reforest the natural environment, restoring the ecosystem with trees, plants, and flowers native to the land as a way of promoting biodiversity.

Girl with sheep

Open for applications

Media Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Santarém, Portugal
  • Content Creation, Videography, Editing, TV
Make exciting, powerful content to inspire audiences to get behind vital conservation work.
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Vet holding dog

Open for applications

Veterinary Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Santarém, Portugal
  • Animal Care, Veterinary Assistance, Treatment
Get first hand veterinary experience by caring for vulnerable animals in a sanctuary surrounded by forest.
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Man cutting vegetation

Open for applications

Reforestation and Biodiversity Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Santarém, Portugal
  • Field Work, Data Collection, Conservation
Be part of an exciting reforestation program, helping to build a thriving natural environment for Portugal’s native animal and plant species.
Find out more

Why Intern with SOS Animal

Find out from our previous interns how internships with SOS Animal can jumpstart your professional career and expand your soft skills.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the sanctuary in Portugal. I met the most amazing people from all over the world while being in a breathtaking place. I cared for the animals every morning and took photos and videos to create social media and fundraising content. It was a great to grow my resume with a summer experience.

Hally, American – St. Lawrence University

Marketing & Fundraising Internship, Portugal

This internship was the best experience of my life. I had the chance to care for a variety of animals while enjoying the beauty of rural Portugal. From preparing treatments for pigeons to ensuring the well-being of the sanctuary animals like goats, horses, chickens and more each day, I gained hands-on skills that truly deepened my understanding of animal care. The supportive environment allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I left feeling inspired and confident about my future in the field.

Didar, Turkish – Atatürk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Internship, Portugal

Roots is an incredible organization that made it easy and stress-free to find meaningful internships worldwide. Every member of Roots I interacted with both via zoom and over virtual platforms (email, social media, etc.) had an amazing attitude and was very helpful. I am thankful for how helpful the organization is!

Michael, American – University College Dublin

Reforestation & Conservation Internships, Portugal