ANIMAL CARE

Travel and prepare for your future career

Discover the world of animal care through ethical learning at rescues and sanctuaries across Italy.

ABOUT

The best Animal Care Summer Program in Italy

The Doctors in Italy Animal Care Program is a fun, two-week dive into the world of animals—perfect for future vets, biologists, or anyone who loves animals and wants to explore careers in care and conservation.

You’ll get to shadow experts at clinics, sanctuaries, and conservation spots all around Italy.

Along the way, you’ll learn about animal behavior, care, nutrition, and the special bond between humans and animals—all while soaking up the amazing culture of Italy.

Is the program right for me?

The Animal Care Fellowship is perfect for students studying Animal Science, Biology, Public Health, Zoology, or anyone who’s recently graduated and dreams of vet school.

We also welcome grad vet students, vet techs, and animal care assistants eager to learn more about different species and veterinary roles.

You just need to be 18 or older—there’s no upper age limit, so everyone’s welcome!

Program Highlights

🐾2 Weeks, Endless Animal Time
Hang out with everything from cuddly farm animals to exotic wildlife. Help feed, care for, and even hand-raise animals with unique needs—all while getting your hands dirty (in the best way).

🦜 Make New Furry, Feathered, and Fuzzy Friends
Meet Patty the Parrot, Kruzco the Llama, and over 300 other rescued animals with big personalities. See what it takes to help them heal, thrive, and live their best lives—scales, tails, and all.

🩺 Learn by Doing (Ethically)
Work side-by-side with vets and animal carers, picking up real-world skills and confidence along the way. It’s the perfect mix of learning and loving animals.

💪40 hours of hands-on learning

Get 40+ hours of real-life training—spend your days hands-on with vets and animal experts, caring for animals of all shapes and sizes.

🌍Explore Italy

In Rome, Florence, or Milan, our local coordinators have you covered—hands-on learning, city adventures, amazing food, and memories that’ll last a lifetime (gelato included).

🤝Extra Info

It runs from mid-May to mid-July, perfect for summer break students. Activities are in English, with local support including housing, transportation, insurance, excursions, and 24/7 staff access.

Explore Your Options

Rome

Just 40 minutes from Rome, you'll be surrounded by nature as you care for animals in beautiful hillside rescues. Spend your days outdoors with farm animals—and your free time exploring Rome on guided tours and fun excursions.

Florence

Just 30 minutes from Florence, you’ll work with rescued goats, sheep, cows, cats, dogs, and more—plus spend time at a horse rescue focused on equine health. All in a peaceful, nature-filled countryside setting.

Milan

The Milan program includes two animal rescues (just an hour from the city) and a central vet clinic. You’ll work with pigs, goats, cows, and dogs at the rescues, and shadow vets during surgeries, exams, and workshops in the clinic.

Financial support and scholarships

International education is an investment in your future—and we’re here to help make it accessible. Explore our scholarships and see how they can support you in joining this life-changing experience.