Veterinary Conservation Program - Costa Rica

Program Details

Participants work closely with licensed veterinarians and veterinary supervisors and are actively involved in clinic operations under professional guidance.

Key components include:

• Assisting in animal intake, examinations, and medical treatments
• Monitoring vital signs and animal recovery
• Supporting diagnostic procedures such as blood tests and fecal exams
• Observing and assisting in surgical procedures
• Learning proper use and maintenance of clinical and diagnostic equipment
• Assisting with treatment protocols and medical record documentation
• Participating in emergency response and stabilization of injured wildlife
• Understanding clinical decision-making in a wildlife rehabilitation setting

This program is suited for veterinary students or professionals with prior academic or clinical experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Orientation & Clinical Overview

• Program orientation and clinic tour
• Introduction to veterinary supervisors and protocols
• Review of clinical safety, biosecurity, and record-keeping standards
• Assignment to clinical duties and schedules

Typical Weekly Schedule (Monday–Friday)

Morning

• Clinic rounds and patient evaluations
• Assisting with animal intake and physical examinations
• Monitoring vital signs and recovery progress
• Supporting diagnostic procedures (blood work, fecal exams)

Midday

• Assisting during medical treatments and procedures
• Observing and assisting in surgeries and anesthesia monitoring
• Equipment preparation, sterilization, and maintenance
• Updating medical and treatment records

Afternoon

• Emergency response support and case follow-ups
• Continued patient monitoring and rehabilitation planning
• Case discussions with veterinary supervisors
• Review of daily cases and learning outcomes

Educational Components

• Wildlife diagnostic and treatment protocols
• Emergency medicine and stabilization techniques
• Clinical decision-making in a wildlife setting
• Best practices in veterinary documentation

Days Off

• Two days off per week (not necessarily weekends)

Fees

Vet / Vet Student Program

• 2 weeks: $3,000
• 3 weeks: $4,050
• 4 weeks: $4,800
• 5 weeks: $5,250
• 6 weeks: $5,400

A 50% deposit of the total program cost is required to secure placement and is non-refundable.

Includes

• Housing (Room & Board)
  Accommodation is provided on-site or through program housing, including utilities and Wi-Fi.
• Meals
  Daily meals are provided throughout the externship period. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated when communicated in advance.
• Educational Supervision & Training
  Access to professional staff supervision, mentorship, and structured learning within the chosen externship track (animal husbandry, veterinary clinic, or conservation marketing).
• Program Materials & Instruction
  Educational resources, training materials, and guidance necessary to complete assigned tasks, research, and projects.
• Operational Support for Wildlife Care
  A portion of the fees contributes directly to the ongoing care of rescued wildlife, including:
  • Medical treatment and veterinary supplies
  • Animal food and nutrition
  • Enrichment materials and general husbandry needs
• Facility & Infrastructure Maintenance
  Support for maintaining rescue, rehabilitation, and educational facilities used during the program.

Costs Not Included

Participants are responsible for personal expenses outside the program, including:

• International and local travel
• Immigration or visa-related costs
• Medical and emergency health insurance
• Personal spending and recreational activities