GET FIRST-HAND VETERINARY EXPERIENCE BY CARING FOR VULNERABLE ANIMALS IN A SANCTUARY SURROUNDED BY FOREST
Central to this organization’s work in Portugal is providing excellent veterinary care to a range of animals, from household pets to farm animals to different species of birds. As a Veterinary intern, you’ll play a role in delivering and expanding this crucial service.
During the vet placement, you’ll get to know many of the 100 animals that inhabit the sanctuary. Your main tasks will include helping to diagnose the animals’ illnesses/medical conditions by giving physical exams, administering injections, treating wounds and other problems, as well as helping to decide on treatments for unwell animals. You’ll be supported by experienced vets and veterinary nurses who will show you the ropes, but over the course of the internship, you’ll build the skills and confidence to carry out some tasks independently.
Learning Objectives:
SOS Animal is driven to improve animal welfare throughout Portugal and beyond. They have a main office, as well as a veterinary hospital, in Lisbon which are open to the public, and have set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which is home to a rich variety of native animals and plant species.
The organization offers free veterinary care to animals from low-income and vulnerable households and has set up a successful animal sterilization program whereby they have performed over 3000 sterilizations. They have also found new homes for over 600 rescued animals and have given almost 10,000 free veterinary consultations to families in need.
Alongside providing medical treatment and care to animals, the organization aims to share important information relating to animal welfare and environmental issues impacting flora and fauna more widely. They do this through the dissemination of studies, running clarification sessions and hosting lectures and other educational activities. This nonprofit also contributes scientific research and data to help manage communities of stray animals, and promote initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare across the public and private sectors.
You will be based at the sanctuary where horses, goats, sheep, chickens, chinchillas, rabbits, turkeys, dogs, cats, and many other animals live peacefully, free from harm or mistreatment. With a team of experienced vets and veterinary nurses, you will provide care to these animals as a Veterinary Medicine intern.
The organization also has a veterinary clinic in Lisbon and you’re welcome to spend days in the city as well. Note: travel to Lisbon is approximately 2 hours from the sanctuary and transportation costs are not included in the internship fee.
You will stay at the organization’s sanctuary in Santarém, where accommodation is provided in a fully furnished house offering both single and shared bedroom options. The house includes bed linen, a shared kitchen for preparing your own meals, communal living spaces, and an outdoor pool (June-Sept) for relaxation. Wifi is available throughout the property, and a cleaning service is included. Groceries can be purchased in the nearby town or ordered online for delivery.
Please be aware that this is a remote, rural location, well-suited for those who appreciate a quiet, nature-based lifestyle. It is not located in a bustling city, and amenities or entertainment options are limited—perfect for individuals comfortable with solitude and simplicity. You’ll have opportunities to travel to Lisbon or beyond on the weekends.
Portugal is considered a very safe destination for travel. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.
The accommodation is self-catering and meals are not included in the fee. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. You can order food from an online supermarket which will be delivered to the sanctuary.
Located in rural Portugal outside of Lisbon, you’ll be based at the organization’s sanctuary, situated 5 km from the nearest small town. Santarém, perched on a plateau along the River Tagus, offers a picturesque setting of rolling hills and golden wheat fields. Nestled in the river itself is the fairy-tale Castelo de Almourol, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles. While you’ll have the chance to travel to Lisbon on weekends, daily life during your internship will be rooted in the peaceful, quiet rhythms of farm life.
Internships are available from January until November. They have fixed start and end dates (generally twice a month), which will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks EUR 2,070
8 weeks EUR 3,368
12 weeks EUR 4,667
16 weeks EUR 5,967
20 weeks EUR 7,266
26 weeks EUR 9,215
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.
You can expect to immerse yourself in the local way of life, potentially working on your Portuguese language skills, while collaborating with a diverse and welcoming community. As you contribute to meaningful projects in your chosen field, you’ll gain valuable insights into Portugal’s business practices and build a network of connections.
You’ll have weekends off to explore other cities in Portugal and beyond! For any longer excursions, it’s recommended to plan a trip before/after your internship (keeping in mind visa limitations). It is also possible to speak with your supervisor to request time off for a long weekend during your internship – be sure to request leave with plenty of time in advance.
Yes, but you must ensure with your home university that all requirements are met. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits which will add onto your experience.
Unfortunately, no it is not possible to receive a stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid, so you can find other ways to fund your internship here. The personal and professional growth opportunities, combined with the wealth of knowledge you’ll learn are invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
