Veterinary Internship Volunteering

What is this Volunteer Program?

The “Veterinary Internship Volunteering” program offers students, recent graduates, and animal care enthusiasts a unique opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience while supporting animal health and welfare in Sri Lanka.
Hosted at the Athurugiriya Veterinary Hospital, this internship allows volunteers to work alongside experienced veterinarians and animal care professionals in a real clinical environment.

Volunteers will assist with treatments, vaccinations, surgeries, and post-operative care, while also learning about animal handling, disease prevention, and community-based animal welfare practices.
Beyond hospital duties, participants will engage in outreach programs, awareness sessions, and small-scale community initiatives focused on responsible pet ownership and animal health education.

This program directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting animal welfare and veterinary capacity building.
At the end of the program, participants receive a recognized Volunteer Certificate from Volunteers Global, validating their contribution to animal health and sustainable veterinary practice.

About the Veterinary Internship

This program is ideal for veterinary medicine students, pre-vet students, animal science undergraduates, and animal lovers seeking practical exposure in a professional setting.
Interns will gain clinical experience through daily hospital operations while learning the fundamentals of diagnosis, treatment, and preventive medicine.
You’ll also have opportunities to participate in community animal health programs, including vaccination drives, spay-neuter campaigns, and rescue operations in partnership with local animal welfare organizations.

Key Activities

• Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and surgeries under supervision.

• Help administer vaccinations, deworming, and wound care for domestic and stray animals.

• Support animal handling, sterilization procedures, and medical record keeping.

• Participate in community awareness programs on pet care, nutrition, and disease prevention.

• Learn and practice post-operative care, animal rehabilitation, and emergency response techniques.

• Contribute to rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption support for injured or abandoned animals.

Weekly Volunteer Structure

(Flexible format – can be adjusted from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the volunteer’s duration and study goals.)

Week 1: Orientation and Observation

• Introduction to the Athurugiriya Veterinary Hospital and its daily operations.

• Shadow veterinarians and learn clinical protocols, sterilization procedures, and patient handling.

• Assist with basic animal care and routine treatments.

• Optional afternoon activities: animal welfare education sessions or local community engagement.

Week 2: Clinical Support and Skill Building

• Assist in minor procedures such as wound dressing, vaccination, and diagnostic support.

• Learn about anesthesia, medication preparation, and surgical assistance.

• Participate in feeding, rehabilitation, and post-treatment care routines.

• Weekend: Explore cultural attractions near Colombo or participate in an optional beach cleanup or cultural immersion tour.

Weeks 3–6 (For Extended Internships): Advanced Involvement

• Take on greater responsibilities in clinical support under supervision.

• Participate in mobile animal health camps and awareness drives in surrounding communities.

• Assist in sterilization projects or spay-neuter campaigns (based on timing and approval).

• Conduct short educational activities for local students or pet owners about animal welfare.

• Final week includes feedback session, reflection, and certificate presentation.

Additional Opportunities

Hands-On Learning:
Gain real-world veterinary experience in diagnostics, treatment, and preventive medicine under professional mentorship.

Community Impact:
Participate in local outreach projects and vaccination campaigns to improve animal welfare and public awareness.

Cultural Immersion:
Stay in the heart of Athurugiriya, a suburban area close to Colombo, offering a blend of city access and authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle.
During weekends, explore nearby attractions such as Colombo city, Galle Face, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, or Kandy.

Ideal For:

• Veterinary and pre-vet students seeking practical experience

• Animal science or zoology students pursuing field exposure

• Animal welfare enthusiasts passionate about clinical and community work

Program Duration & Inclusions

• Location: Athurugiriya Veterinary Hospital, Western Province, Sri Lanka

• Duration: 2–6 weeks (flexible scheduling available)

• Includes: Accommodation, meals, in-country coordination, transport to project site, and weekend excursions

• Certificate: Recognized Volunteer Certificate awarded by Volunteers Global upon completion

Volunteer Daily Routine – Veterinary Internship Volunteering (Athurugiriya Veterinary Hospital)

Experience a day in the life of a veterinary volunteer at our partner animal hospital in Athurugiriya, where your work contributes directly to improving animal welfare and health.
Here’s a detailed look at a typical day as a veterinary volunteer:

7:30 AM

Clinic Preparation and Morning Briefing
Begin your day by assisting the veterinary team in preparing the treatment area. Help organize instruments, check medical supplies, and participate in the morning briefing about scheduled treatments, surgeries, or community visits.

8:00 AM

Feeding and Routine Animal Care
Assist with feeding hospitalized animals and checking on their wellbeing. Learn about the nutritional needs of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals under treatment. Support basic grooming and enclosure cleaning to maintain a hygienic recovery space.

9:00 AM

Morning Consultations and Examinations
Work alongside veterinarians during patient consultations. Observe or assist in diagnosing common conditions, preparing vaccines, or recording case details. Volunteers may also assist with minor procedures such as wound dressing or administering deworming medication under supervision.

10:30 AM

Treatment and Surgical Support
Join the veterinary team during scheduled treatments or surgeries. Learn how to assist with pre-operative preparation, sterilization of instruments, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care. Volunteers will always be supervised by licensed professionals.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch and Rest Break
Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by the host family or facility. Take time to relax, share experiences with fellow volunteers, or observe animal recovery activities around the hospital.

2:00 PM

Community Animal Care and Awareness Activities
Support hospital-led outreach programs or awareness sessions when available. Activities may include visiting nearby communities for vaccination drives, pet health checkups, or educational discussions on responsible pet ownership.

3:30 PM

Afternoon Treatments and Rehabilitation Care
Assist in post-surgery monitoring, medication preparation, and animal rehabilitation exercises. Volunteers may also help clean and prepare enclosures for new admissions or help with feeding and comfort care for recovering animals.

5:00 PM

Daily Review and Reflection
Join the veterinary staff for a short debrief of the day’s activities. Record your observations, ask questions, and reflect on what you learned in animal handling, care, and treatment.

6:00 PM

Dinner and Relaxation
Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation. Enjoy a home-style Sri Lankan meal, unwind with other volunteers, or explore the nearby area.

Note:

This schedule represents a typical day at the Athurugiriya Veterinary Hospital.
Activities may vary depending on your duration of stay, skill level, hospital needs, and weather conditions.
Longer stays (3–6 weeks) may include participation in community animal health camps, spay-neuter campaigns, and rescue projects organized in collaboration with local partners.

Accommodation

Volunteers will stay in a shared volunteer house or eco-lodge located near the conservation site. This setting provides a comfortable and environmentally friendly living environment that allows volunteers to immerse themselves fully in the local coastal lifestyle.

Accommodations Include:

• Meals Provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during weekdays. Volunteers can enjoy their weekends exploring local cuisine in nearby restaurants.

In-Country Support

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, volunteers will be greeted by a seasoned team of in-country field staff, composed of mature, educated, and socially respected individuals committed to humanitarian work. The support team will provide comprehensive assistance, including:

• Airport Transfers: Safe and convenient transportation from the airport to your placement.
• Program Orientation: A thorough introduction to Sri Lankan culture, safety guidelines, and project expectations.
• Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins from the in-country coordinator to ensure a positive and safe volunteer experience. Volunteers can reach out at any time for assistance or guidance.

Our Fees

Our program fees are designed to be affordable and inclusive, ensuring a wide range of participants can join our initiatives. Fees cover all essential aspects of the program, including:

Program Fees Include:

• Accommodation with a host family
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays)
• Airport pickup and transfer
• Comprehensive program orientation
• Project handbook and pre-departure information
• In-country support from a dedicated team
• Personalized volunteer projects tailored to individual skills and interests
• Certificate of completion, recognized globally for contributions to SDGs and climate change
• Fundraising ideas and resources for personal fundraising efforts
• Discounts for returning volunteers

Program Fees Exclude:

• Visas and airfare
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (soft drinks, snacks, etc.)
• In-country transportation outside of project-related travel