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Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Internship
PERU

Take part in the care of injured and orphaned wildlife while developing practical skills through a combination of hands-on experience and theoretical training.

AN IMMERSION IN WILDLIFE VETERINARY MEDICINE AND CONSERVATIONE

At RAREC, you’ll assist veterinarians with the daily care of wildlife brought to the center.

You’ll take part in medical examinations, treatments, the monitoring of animals undergoing rehabilitation, as well as various conservation activities, while benefiting from structured educational support through weekly classes and training sessions.

This immersive experience will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience while discovering the realities of veterinary work in the Amazon.

Veterinary interns examining a monkey at a wildlife rehabilitation center in the Peruvian Amazon.

WHY I RECOMMEND THIS INTERNSHIP

I chose this internship for the quality of its supervision and its strong educational approach. Unlike many programs, it combines theoretical learning, hands-on experience alongside veterinarians, and genuine immersion in wildlife conservation.

The program also offers the opportunity to take part in veterinary outreach campaigns for domestic animals in local communities, providing an experience that is just as rewarding personally as it is professionally.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

During this internship, you’ll develop practical skills and deepen your knowledge in the following areas:

🩺 Perform clinical examinations
🩸 Assist with veterinary treatments
💉 Use medical equipment (X-rays, blood tests, etc.)
🩹 Assist with animal care and selected surgical procedures
🦥 Monitor animals throughout their rehabilitation
🌿 Design enrichment activities to support animal welfare
🧑‍⚕️ Work alongside experienced veterinarians
🌎 Discover how a wildlife rehabilitation center operates in the Amazon
📚 Deepen your knowledge of wildlife medicine
🦜 Learn more about iconic Amazonian species
🛡️ Learn safe wildlife handling and restraint techniques
🧠 Understand conservation and rehabilitation strategies

…and develop many other skills through hands-on experience in the field.

Veterinary interns providing care to a wild animal at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Peru.
Veterinary interns administering medication to a wild animal at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Peru.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Everything you need to know before applying.

Location

Iquitos

Peruvian Amazon

Language

English

Field of study

Veterinary Medicine • Veterinary Care • Veterinary Assistance

Duration

Minimum 2 weeks*

*Contact me to find out about upcoming internship dates.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

✓ Minimum age: 18
✓ Veterinary student or veterinary professional
✓ Rabies and tetanus vaccinations required
✓ Travel and health insurance required
✓ Good physical condition
✓ Strict compliance with safety and no-contact rules with animals

Full requirements will be provided when you apply.

A VARIED EXPERIENCE

The internship consists of:

60% veterinary practice
20% specialized courses and workshops
20% daily animal care

Depending on the center’s needs, you may also:

  • take part in veterinary outreach campaigns in local communities;

  • assist with behavioral monitoring of the animals;

  • visit other rehabilitation centers to provide veterinary support.

Baby manatee being bottle-fed at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in the Peruvian Amazon.

Program contribution

Minimum stay: 2 weeks

What's included

✓ Airport pick-up in Iquitos (subject to program conditions)
✓ Shared air-conditioned accommodation
✓ 3 meals per day
✓ Satellite Wi-Fi
✓ Transportation for program activities
✓ RAREC T-shirts and boots provided
✓ Access to common areas and laundry facilities
✓ An Amazon River excursion to see pink river dolphins (additional activities included depending on the length of your stay)
✓ Advice from the team to help you plan your days off

What's not included

✕ International and domestic flights
✕ Visa, if required
✕ Travel and health insurance
✕ Personal expenses
✕ Activities outside the program

Part of your program fee directly supports the center’s operations and the care of its animals.

How to apply

Send your application to info@vayaplanet.com

  • Your CV

  • A cover letter specifying the internship you are applying for

  • 3 references

Let’s discuss your project

We’ll talk about your plans, make sure this internship matches your goals, and answer any questions you may have.

I’ll support you

I’ll guide you through the next steps of your application and remain available throughout your experience whenever you need support.

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