VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
For students
For graduated vets
General help
VET INTERNSHIP
for students
What is this Internship?
This is an immersive 4 to 8-week internship split between two locations:
Nosara, with International Animal Rescue Costa Rica
Bijagua, with Tapir Vet
It’s designed for students or newly-graduates in veterinary medicine who want hands-on experience in the field working with experienced professionals.
We are looking for...
-
Veterinary students and recent graduates
-
Motivated, proactive individuals who are open to cultural exchange and working in different environments
-
People with a strong interest in wildlife medicine, conservation and animal welfare
This internship offers the opportunity to learn more about wildlife medicine, rehabilitation and reintroduction, alongside field research, wildlife monitoring, community engagement and disease ecology.
What will you learn?
This internship provides practical experience in wildlife veterinary medicine, rehabilitation and conservation, working alongside our veterinary and animal care teams.
At IAR Costa Rica, you will gain experience in:
-
Assisting with veterinary procedures and clinical care
-
Developing and implementing environmental enrichment
-
Supporting the daily care and rehabilitation of wildlife
-
Environmental education and visitor engagement
-
Community outreach and conservation activities
Veterinary mentor: Dr. Francisco Sánchez
At Tapir Vet – Bijagua, you will gain experience in:
-
Tapir monitoring using camera traps
-
Wildlife medicine and health monitoring
-
Zoonotic disease surveillance
-
Tropical ecology and wildlife movement
-
Environmental education with local communities
-
Supporting conservation research and planning
Veterinary mentor: Dr. Jorge Rojas
What to expect:
Interns should be prepared for a busy and highly variable environment, where emergency cases and wildlife confiscations can arrive unexpectedly. The level of participation in clinical cases will depend on each intern’s experience and demonstrated skills, as well as the type and number of cases received during their internship.
Learning beyond the clinic:
Interns may also have the opportunity to participate in lectures, veterinary labs and round-table discussions led by the wildlife and veterinary internship coordinators, covering a range of topics related to wildlife medicine and biodiversity conservation.
Schedule:
5 days per week, with 2 days off for rest or travel.
Approximately 8 hours per day.
As the veterinary clinic operates 24/7, schedules are flexible and may vary depending on clinical needs, caseload and time of year.
Requirements:
Students must commit to an internship lasting a minimum of 4 weeks (maximum of 8 weeks) and must understand that the first part of the internship takes place in Nosara and the second part in Bijagua or another location.
-
Be at least 18 years old
-
Be a student or graduate in Veterinary Medicine
-
Basic English or Spanish communication skills
-
Physically fit for fieldwork
-
Highly motivated and proactive
-
Commit to a minimum of 4 weeks
-
Rabies vaccination recommended
-
International medical insurance required
Program Fees & Details:
Refundable security deposit:
$500
Fully paid 1 month before arriving:
$700 / week
Whats included:
-
Accommodation
-
Meals
-
Equipment
-
Interrnship program
Whats not included:
-
Flights
-
Health insurance
-
Visa-related expenses
-
Freetime activities
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send:
to both:
CV
A 500-word motivation letter
Two letters of recommendation
VET VOLUNTEER
for graduated vets
Program Overview:
The IAR Costa Rica Veterinary Volunteer Program offers qualified veterinarians the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife medicine, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation at the Nosara Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Working alongside our veterinary and animal care teams, volunteers support the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. Volunteers may assist with veterinary procedures, clinical assessments, treatments, daily animal care, environmental enrichment, and other aspects of our rescue centre operations.
Veterinary volunteers will gain insight into the broader conservation challenges affecting Costa Rica’s wildlife and the important role that rescue, rehabilitation, education, and community engagement play in protecting native species.
Location:
Duration:
Schedule:
The Nosara Wildlife Rescue Center
Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
6 months
Continuous commitment
5 days per week, 2 days off
8 hours per day*
*As the veterinary clinic operates 24/7, schedules are flexible and may vary depending on clinical needs, caseload and time of year.
Program Requirements & Details:
Requirements:
-
Qualified veterinarian with a minimum of 1 year of professional veterinary experience
-
Spanish-speaking, with sufficient proficiency to communicate effectively with the team
-
Availability for a minimum uninterrupted commitment of 6 months
-
Strong teamwork and communication skills
-
Genuine interest in wildlife and conservation medicine
-
Ability to work in a dynamic, hands-on rescue centre environment
-
Accommodation for the duration of the program
-
Hands-on experience in wildlife medicine, rescue, rehabilitation, and care
-
Opportunity to work alongside an experienced wildlife veterinary and animal care team
-
Exposure to a variety of native Costa Rican wildlife species and clinical cases
-
Practical experience with wildlife assessments, treatments, procedures, and rehabilitation, depending on case needs and experience
-
Experience working within an active wildlife rescue centre and responding to real-world wildlife emergencies
Whats included:
Whats not included:
-
Flights**
-
Meals
-
Health insurance
-
Visa-related expenses
-
Freetime activities
** Flights will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the program. Certain conditions apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send:
CV
Cover Letter
to:
GENERAL VOLUNTEER
We're always happy to connect with people who are interested in supporting our work!
If you'd like to volunteer with us, please complete this Volunteer Survey so we can learn more about your interests and availability, and if an opportunity comes up that may be a good match, we'll be in touch.