Get first hand veterinary experience by caring for vulnerable animals in a sanctuary surrounded by forest
Central to the organization’s work is providing excellent veterinary care to a range of animals, from dogs to different species of bird. As a veterinary intern, you’ll play a role in delivering and expanding this crucial service.
During the 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:
- Gain a wealth of experience and expertise in veterinary care to add to your portfolio of work
- Develop a good understanding of the animals native to Portugal and how to protect them against external dangers
- Build the skills and confidence needed to work independently, making decisions to best support the welfare of the animals
- Learn how to work in an international team within the nonprofit sector
ORGANIZATION
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 members of SOS Animal. They have recently set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which will be 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.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
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 veterinary care to these animals.
What you’ll do
The main tasks for interns on this program will be:
- Look after and monitor the animals in the sanctuary
- Help to diagnose the animals’ illnesses by performing physical exams
- Help to treat the animals, including administering injections, treating wounds, and advising on courses of treatment
- Whenever possible, accompany the animals to the clinic in Lisbon and monitor surgeries and other complex situations
- Be part of the decision making process to support animal welfare for the different species living in the sanctuary
- All interns assist with general work and at the start of the internship there will be an orientation program with basic skills (taking care of animals, cleaning, etc.)
Requirements
- A background in veterinary care, biology, animal behavior, or a related area
- Share the organization’s core values, demonstrating the desire to contribute to this unique project in Portugal
- Minimum age of 20 years old
- In good physical and mental condition
- Proficient understanding of English
- Able to commit to one month minimum
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You will stay at the sanctuary in Santarém, where there is a house with the choice of single or shared bedrooms. The house includes all furnishings, bed linen, a shared kitchen where you can prepare your meals, communal areas, as well as an outdoor pool for you to enjoy. The accommodation has access to Wifi and cleaning service is included. Once a week, you can go to the local town to pick up groceries.
The nearest city is 5 km from the sanctuary and you are welcome to take one of the sanctuary’s bicycles to explore the surroundings. Santarém is on a plateau, situated on the bank of the River Tagus, a picturesque area surrounded by hills and wheat fields. Located in the middle of the river, is the fairy-tale Castelo de Almourol, arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful castles.
DATES & RATES
Internships are available from January until November. The start and end dates of the internship will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2024 fees)
4 weeks EUR 1,318
8 weeks EUR 2,035
12 weeks EUR 2,751
16 weeks EUR 3,468
20 weeks EUR 4,185
26 weeks EUR 5,261
What you are paying for:
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation based on a shared room. Please contact us if you are interested in an upgrade to a single room.
- Wifi access
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Excludes:
- Flights to Lisbon airport
- Transfer from the airport to your accommodation (less than one hour by car)
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
QUICK FACTS
 |
Santarém, Portugal |
 |
Animal Welfare and Conservation NGO |
 |
Animal Care, Research, Data Capture, Conservation |
 |
4-26 Weeks |
 |
From EUR 1,318 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Be part of an exciting new reforestation project that will help increase the biodiversity of the area
- Play a key role in helping to promote the organization’s values and initiatives through research and data collection
- Work as part of a passionate, committed team to bring about positive change
- Build up a range of expertise in conservation and forestry to go towards future employment
- Explore a beautiful region of Portugal and learn more about the local culture and way of life
4 WEEKS EUR 1,318
8 WEEKS EUR 2,035
12 WEEKS EUR 3,468
8 WEEKS EUR 2,035
12 WEEKS EUR 3,468
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
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.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
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!
RELATED PROGRAMS
Orphan Care and Veterinary Internship
- 4-12 weeks
- Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
- Veterinary Assistance, Reporting, Animal Care
Work on the frontline of wildlife conservation in a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica.
Wildlife Veterinary Internship
- 2-12 weeks
- Lilongwe, Malawi
- Veterinary work, Animal care, Integrations, Observations
A hands-on wildlife veterinary internship at a rescue and rehabilitation center
Digital Marketing Internship with Animal Rescue Center
- Min. 8 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
- Website Management, Fundraising, Marketing, Grant Writing, Research
Find yourself rewarded by doing impactful digital marketing, and surrounded by puppies!
