Wildlife Veterinary Internship - Laos
This rewarding wildlife veterinary internship is based approximately 60 km north of Laos’ capital, Vientiane, at a dedicated wildlife rescue centre focused on the rehabilitation and release of animals affected by the illegal wildlife trade.
Veterinarians, veterinary nurses/technicians, and veterinary students are invited to join the on-site wildlife hospital. This program is ideal for fulfilling university placement requirements, gaining international experience in wildlife medicine, and expanding practical clinical skills.
Interns will work alongside a full-time veterinary team, assisting with medical procedures and contributing to wildlife husbandry. Opened in 2024, the hospital is equipped to treat a wide range of native Laotian species and features modern, world-class equipment.
The facility includes three large viewing windows into the procedure room, laboratory, and necropsy room, offering a unique opportunity to observe the treatment and care of native wildlife.
Goals of the Project:
- Care and treat resident animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade
- Improve health of rescued wildlife to assist in their release back to the wild.
- Provide veterinary care to the wildlife animals who are unable to be returned to the wild.
How You Can Help
Volunteers should be prepared for a dynamic and fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. The veterinary team may respond at any time to large wildlife confiscations, newly rescued or donated animals, or individual animals requiring urgent medical attention.
There is no fixed schedule in the Wildlife Hospital, as daily tasks vary depending on the needs of the animals in their care. Volunteers typically work from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; however, flexibility is essential. In the event of emergencies, working hours may change, as the wellbeing of the animals is always the top priority.
Interns will work 6 days per week and contribute in a variety of ways, with tasks including:
- Caring for animals in quarantine and hospital areas,
- Shadowing and assisting our veterinary team
- Performing daily health check rounds of resident animals,
- Assisting in maintaining patient records
- Assisting with any emergency cases and surgeries.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes veterinarians, veterinary technicians/nurses, and veterinary students aged 18 and above to intern at the on-site wildlife hospital.
The veterinary team is led by a fully qualified Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who has received Western-standard training, alongside a local Lao veterinarian who is continuing their professional development.
Interns are assigned to the DVM as their supervisor, who will support them in gaining hands-on experience and, where applicable, assist in meeting university placement requirements.
A moderate to high level of English is essential, along with a good level of physical fitness, as the workload can be demanding. Interns should also be comfortable working in a hot and humid climate, including spending extended periods outdoors in these conditions.
We value individuals who are motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to the ongoing development of the centre while gaining new skills and experiences.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Medical Qualification
- Resume
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
This program is based in Xienglaetha village, 60km from the capital Vientiane.
Life here in the village revolves around agriculture, small-scale trade, and community ties. You won’t find tourist facilities like hotels or restaurants—this is a place where daily life is local and authentic.
Vientiane is a relaxed capital sitting along the Mekong River, right on the border with Thailand. Compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, it feels quieter and more laid-back, with a mix of traditional Lao culture and French colonial influence.
Traffic is light, the pace is slow, and there’s a strong café culture. You’ll find tree-lined streets, Buddhist temples, and riverside markets rather than skyscrapers.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected either from the airport or your accommodation in Vientiane on Sunday morning between 10am and 11am only. You will be taken to the Rescue Centre to settle in.
The Rescue Centre staff will show you around the volunteer facilities, provide an orientation around the center and explain the rules, policies and emergency procedures.
Following your orientation you will then get to meet with the current volunteers and the rest of the staff.
The center coordinators will tell you about the day's plans and activities as they develop so you know what to expect for the day ahead. Although some days you can only expect the unexpected!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY (Between 10am and 11am)
- Program Departure Day: SUNDAY 8am
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, Laos (Code: VTE)
Accommodation & Meals
The accommodation consists of five beautiful bungalows, each accommodating a maximum of two people. Nestled beneath the trees just behind the gibbon enclosure—so you’ll be serenaded each morning by their calls.
We aim to maintain single-sex accommodation, although this cannot always be guaranteed due to volunteer capacity. Exceptions are made for couples, friends, and families who wish to stay together.
Each bungalow is equipped with electrical outlets, fans, and fully screened windows to help keep mosquitoes out. A hammock is also provided, perfect for relaxing on the peaceful front porch. Fresh bed linen is supplied upon arrival and can be changed during longer stays.
Shared facilities include single-sex shower and toilet blocks, fitted with Western-style toilets and hot water showers.
All meals are provided. Lunch and dinner are served as hot meals delivered to the volunteer house, while breakfast ingredients are supplied for you to prepare at your convenience. Clean drinking water is available at multiple locations across the site. Please bring a water bottle to refill.
All meals are vegetarian. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us prior to arrival. You will also have access to storage space for both dry goods and refrigerated items, such as fruit or ice cream, that you may purchase during your stay.
On-site laundry facilities are available for your convenience. Laundry detergent is provided.
Fees
That’s just USD 73 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.