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 Animal Care Program by Doctors in Italy is a two-week immersive experience designed for anyone passionate about animals—whether you’re an aspiring veterinarian, biologist, or simply an animal lover exploring career paths in care and conservation.

Participants have the opportunity to shadow professionals in animal clinics, sanctuaries, and conservation centers across Italy.

Through this experience, they gain firsthand insight into animal behavior, care, nutrition, and the human-animal connection, all while enjoying and exploring Italy’s vibrant culture.

Is the program right for me?

The Animal Care Fellowship is designed for students who are enrolled in a university course in Animal Science, Biology, Public Health, Zoology, or similar, or who have just completed their college degrees and wish to study Veterinary Medicine.

We also welcome graduate vet students, veterinary technicians, and animal care assistants who are looking to expand their knowledge of different species and explore different aspects of the veterinary professions.

To participate, you must be at least 18 years old, there is no maximum age limit.

Program Highlights

🐾 Spend 2 weeks with 30+ animal species
Experience hands-on care for a wide range of animals, from farm animals to exotic wildlife. Whether it’s daily feeding, hand-rearing, or supporting special needs, you’ll be immersed in the action.

🩺 Develop skills through ethical shadowing
Whether you’re aspiring to work in animal care or simply passionate about animals, you’ll build confidence in your skills and deepen your understanding through real-life training alongside veterinary professionals and animal carers.

🦜 Meet Patty the Parrot, Kruzco the Llama, and 300+ more animals living free
Get an inside look at the lives of animals in rescues, each with their own personality. Learn what it takes for them to thrive, how they interact with one another and their human carers, and discover the care they need – whether they have fur, feathers, or scales.

ANIMAL CARE EXPERIENCES

Featured programs

Check out the programs that may fit your academic and career goals. Where do you see yourself thriving?

Rome

Located 40 minutes away from Rome, Italy, the animal rescues you’ll be paired with are immersed in nature, with breath-taking scenery. You will spend your time outdoors at the animal rescues and the surrounding hills working with farm animals. You’ll also be able to discover Rome through guided tours and excursions.

Florence

About 30 minutes away from Florence, in a rural area surrounded by nature, the two animal rescues we partner with are home to goats, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, and other farm animals. You’ll also work with a horse rescue specialized in equine health.

Milan

The program in Milan partners with two animal rescues, located one hour away from Milan, and a veterinary clinic in the centre. The animal rescues provide care to farm animals like pigs, sheep, goats, cows, as well as rescued dogs. At the vet clinic, fellows will shadow specialists during clinical hours, surgery, and diagnostic imaging, as well as participate in workshops and presentations.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

40 hours of hands-on learning

This two-week program offers over 40 hours of hands-on experience, with around 5 hours a day spent shadowing veterinarians and animal caregivers at rescues and clinics. You’ll learn how to care for animals of various species through real-life, expert-led training.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Daily routine from Monday – Thursday

Each day begins with breakfast and transport to the rescues for hands-on learning, followed by lunch provided by the program.

Afternoons alternate between cultural activities, relaxing free time, and exploring the local city. Your first Friday includes a guided day trip to a nearby destination, and weekends are free for you to travel or unwind.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Fee inclusions

The program fee includes airport pick-up, central housing, daily transport to shadowing sites, a public transport card, medical insurance, daily breakfast, four group dinners, a full-day excursion, and 24/7 support.

Part of your fee also supports the host animal rescues!

Airfare not included.

TRAVEL

Discover the beauty of Italy

Our expert local coordinators will guide you through an immersive experience in Italy. Summer ’24 Programs are available in Rome, Florence and Milan.

Make friends, discover your city and its stunning surroundings, enjoy Italian food, and travel to dream-come-true destinations during the weekend.

This international experience will develop your cultural competence. it will open your mind to different cultures, and help you thrive in a world that is ever more connected.
It’s a chance for you to challenge yourself and your limits and grow to be a better communicator and a leader in your field.

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.