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Step into the front lines of wildlife conservation in Laos through a hands-on veterinary internship based at a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital in the Vientiane Region.
Opened in December 2024, the facility is equipped with world-class technology to treat a wide range of species native to Laos. This programme gives veterinary interns and volunteers the opportunity to gain international clinical experience, fulfil university requirements, and work alongside an international and local veterinary team.
Interns become part of a small, close-knit team supporting daily hospital operations, wildlife patient care, conservation work, and professional development in one of Southeast Asia’s most authentic and untouched destinations.
The Laos Wildlife Veterinary Internship is designed for veterinary students, veterinarians, vet nurses, vet technicians, wildlife biology students, animal management students, and related candidates looking to gain practical experience in wildlife medicine and conservation.
Interns will assist with clinical and medical duties, including daily health checks, inpatient and outpatient care, quarantine management, emergency cases, surgeries, necropsies, and patient record keeping. The programme also includes exposure to wildlife rehabilitation, animal husbandry, conservation education, and the realities of illegal wildlife trade response.
Key responsibilities may include:
• Assisting the veterinary team with daily clinical operations and medical procedures
• Performing daily health check rounds for resident animals
• Supporting inpatient and outpatient treatments
• Helping maintain quarantine and hospital areas
• Assisting with emergency cases, surgeries, and necropsies
• Maintaining accurate patient medical records
• Supporting clinic inventory, logistics, and general hospital organisation
• Working alongside western-trained and local Lao veterinary professionals
• Remaining flexible for wildlife confiscations, rescues, or emergency care situations
Applicants should be fluent in English, comfortable with practical and sometimes physically demanding work, and adaptable to a multicultural and conservation-focused environment.
The minimum programme duration is 4 weeks, with longer stays preferred and discounted rates available for 8-week and 12-week placements.
Interns typically work from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, six days per week. However, because the programme is based in a wildlife hospital, schedules can change depending on the animals in care, emergency rescues, confiscations, or critical medical cases.
A typical experience may include:
• Daily clinical rounds and animal health checks
• Assisting with treatments and patient care
• Supporting quarantine and hospital operations
• Helping with surgeries, emergency cases, or necropsies when needed
• Maintaining records, inventory, and clinical areas
• Participating in conservation education and public-facing duties
• Working with mentors on academic projects or research assignments
• Experiencing local community activities and cultural excursions
Arrival and travel:
Interns must book their own international travel to Vientiane Airport (VTE) in Laos. Pick-up is arranged on Sunday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM from the airport or a hotel in Vientiane, followed by transfer to the centre.
Programme fees:
4 weeks = $4,000
8 weeks = $6,500
12 weeks = $8,500
Included:
• Pick-up and drop-off to and from Vientiane, the capital city of Laos
• Accommodation in shared bungalows with laundry, WiFi, hot showers, and screened windows
• Three vegetarian meals per day
• Clean drinking water on-site
• Unlimited access to the infinity pool at the neighbouring eco-resort
• On-site mentoring for academic credits or projects
• 24-hour on-site support from staff
• Community activities such as local drum making, waterfalls, Laos’ biggest Buddha, local markets, night walks, karaoke, local weaving, and a visit to an organic farm
• A memorable hands-on wildlife conservation experience
Not included:
• International flights
• Personal insurance
• Visa costs
• Additional snacks or drinks
• Visa runs
• Activities or transportation outside the project
Location
Laos
Start Date
2026
Price
Starting at $4,000
