Working with Animals: Types of Internships & Global Locations

Working with Animals: Types of Internships & Global Locations
Published on: 12 March 2026
Updated on: 12 March 2026

Table of contents

This article covers:

  • Types of animal internships/ways to work with animals as an intern
  • Where to work with animals as an intern
  • Internship programs by RealStep

Animal Care Internships 

What Are Animal Care Internships?

Animal care internships focus on daily care, feeding, health checks, and enrichment activities for domestic and farm animals. Participants gain practical skills in handling, observation, and basic veterinary care.

Who Are They For? 

  • Veterinary students
  • Veterinary assistants
  • Animal carers
  • Students studying biology, animal science, or related fields

Animal Care Internships Abroad

Interns can join animal care programs worldwide, often in shelters, clinics, or animal sanctuaries, gaining international exposure and professional experience while contributing to animal welfare.

Animal Shelter Internships 

What Are Internships in Animal Shelters? 

They focus on the care, rehabilitation, and management of shelter animals, such as dogs, cats, and small mammals. Interns support daily operations while learning about animal behavior and welfare standards.

Dog Shelter Internships 

  • Work hands-on with dogs in need of adoption
  • Assist with feeding, training, and enrichment
  • Support shelter staff in veterinary care and administration

Who Are They For?

  • Animal lovers interested in domestic animal welfare
  • Students in veterinary, animal science, or related programs
  • Interns seeking practical shelter experience

Animal conservation internships

Wildlife Conservation Internships 

What Are Wildlife Conservation Internships? 

Wildlife conservation internships focus on protecting natural habitats, studying species, and supporting conservation projects. Interns gain hands-on field experience, learn research and monitoring techniques, and contribute to species preservation by helping protect wildlife populations and ensuring animals and plants can survive and thrive in their natural environments.

Many wildlife conservation internships also focus on protecting Africa’s Big 5 — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo — some of the continent’s most iconic and threatened species. Interns may assist with tracking wildlife, monitoring populations, supporting anti-poaching initiatives, and helping researchers collect data used to protect these animals, such as logging GPS locations to gather accurate population dynamics.

By supporting Big 5 conservation projects, participants also help preserve biodiversity, which means protecting the variety of plants, animals, and ecosystems that keep natural environments balanced and healthy.

Who Are They For?

  • Biology, ecology, or environmental science students
  • Aspiring wildlife vets or conservationists
  • Anyone passionate about wildlife protection

Where to do a Wildlife Conservation Internship?

  • Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania)
  • Asia (Thailand, Nepal)
  • Latin America (Costa Rica, Peru)

Wildlife Volunteering // wildlife internships

Marine Wildlife Conservation Internships 

What Are Marine Wildlife Conservation Internships?

Programs focusing on ocean and sea ecosystems, including coral reefs, and marine animals such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and fisheries conservation.

Who Are They For? 

  • Marine biology students
  • Environmental science students
  • Aspiring conservationists with a focus on aquatic life

Marine internships

Veterinary Placements For Students in Africa

Veterinary Internship in South Africa
Gain hands-on veterinary experience working with wildlife and supporting animal health in a conservation setting: Veterinary Internship in South Africa.

Veterinary Internship in Malawi
Support veterinary teams in wildlife projects while developing practical skills in animal care and rehabilitation: Veterinary Internship in Malawi.

Marine & Wildlife Conservation Internships in Africa

Internship – Marine Species in South Africa
Work on projects focused on marine wildlife, including conservation research, beach cleanups, and habitat protection: Marine internship in South Africa.

Seabird Conservation Internship – South Africa
Join efforts to monitor, protect, and rehabilitate seabird populations along the South African coastline: Internship with Seabirds in South Africa.

Nature & Animal Experience Training in Africa

Nature Guide Training – South Africa
Combine wildlife education with guided field experience to develop skills in conservation, animal behavior, and eco‑tourism: Nature Guide Training in South Africa.

General Resources: Animal Care and Conservation

For those interested in working with animals or learning more about conservation, many respected global organizations and educational platforms provide valuable resources, research, and training opportunities.

Lead organizations in:

Animal care:

  • The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): A leading advocate for animal welfare legislation and protection.
  • Animal Welfare Institute: Promotes the welfare of animals used in experiments, in agriculture, and in the wild
  • ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Focuses on rescuing animals, fighting cruelty, and providing shelter.

Wildlife conservation: 

Marine conservation:

Online courses/learning:

Offers educational resources, lessons, and conservation materials related to wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental science.

 

FAQs

What skills do I need for a wildlife conservation internship?

Observation, patience, teamwork, basic research skills, and a passion for animals

What are the typical responsibilities in a wildlife conservation internship?

Habitat monitoring, animal health checks, research assistance, public education, and conservation activities

Where to find animal conservation summer internships?

Platforms like RealStep, Freepackers, or other accredited NGOs offer summer programs worldwide.

What are the benefits of gaining experience through an animal care internship?

  • Hands-on animal handling experience
  • Exposure to veterinary or conservation techniques
  • International work experience
  • Skills that enhance resumes and career prospects

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