Volunteer Veterinary Medicine Projects in India, gain international veterinary experience

Volunteer Veterinary Work Experience Placements Overseas in India

Whether you are a high school student considering a career in veterinary medicine, an undergraduate or on a career break, working as a veterinary volunteer will get you involved in vaccinations, operations, laboratory work, and the routine treatment of domestic farm animals and livestock.

India, in Southern Asia, has a mix of terrain ranging from upland plain in the South, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in the West and the Himalayas in the North. A large portion of the country’s land is used for farming and crops. The welfare of domestic animals is seen as an essential part of rural development and farm animals provide the majority of work for vets in India.

The veterinary placement is based in Madurai, where you will work alongside an experienced local vet. Farm animals will commonly be seen for vaccination, artificial insemination and birthing problems, as well as smaller domestic pets. In the evenings you can also work in a private veterinary clinic which treats small animals. There is also the possibility to arrange visits to gain some experience working at an elephant sanctuary, zoo and a veterinary university in Chennai.

Our voluntary veterinary placements in India offer you access to a wide range of invaluable work experience which could ultimately increase your prospects within this highly competitive field. Show initiative and a willingness to get involved and you will have a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Volunteering on a Veterinary Placement in India with Projects Abroad

As a volunteer in India on one of our Veterinary Placements, you can provide effective and practical help working on a variety of tasks.

When you arrive at work on your first day, you will be assigned a supervisor who will be able to advise and support you during your placement, and of course the members of our Projects Abroad staff will always on hand to offer support.

Your work will predominantly involve observing and assisting in operations, administering treatments for diseases and giving vaccinations. You will learn how to handle a range of different animals and have the chance to witness many diseases that have been eradicated in the west.

Your input at the veterinary centers will be greatly encouraged and appreciated. The vets we work with are keen to get you as involved as possible, and will enjoy showing you Indian veterinary practice.

This project is available for two weeks if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for short term volunteering for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain a valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone volunteering for a longer period.

Experiences on Voluntary Veterinary Placements in India

"It was a totally different experience from anything I'd get at home. I was lucky to get some hands-on work and saw diseases that we vaccinate against in the UK but never come across." Mary-Rose Best - Veterinary Medicine in India volunteer

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How to apply