RESQ Wildlife Vet Internship
India
Founded in 2007, RESQ Charitable Trust is a Pune-based wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation organisation working in coordination with the Maharashtra Forest Department. RESQ provides emergency response, hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and release support for native Indian wildlife species through a multidisciplinary team of authorised wildlife veterinarians, para-veterinary staff, rehabilitators, and rescue personnel.
With a team of 135+ dedicated professionals and purpose-built facilities, RESQ responds to both critical wildlife emergencies and day-to-day admissions, while also engaging with local communities to reduce human–wildlife conflict in high-risk areas.
This project is RACE approved for 40 hours per fortnight of your attendance.
There are TWO internships at this location:
The RESQ Wildlife Veterinary Internship
Open to clinical-year vet students, vet tech/nurse students, qualified vets, and qualified vet techs/nurses
The RESQ Wildlife Husbandry Internship
Open to anyone
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Exposure to Diverse Wildlife Cases: Observe a wide range of wildlife cases, from routine health assessments to complex trauma and surgical interventions, across birds, mammals and reptiles.
Supervised Clinical Learning: Learn how wildlife veterinarians assess cases, plan treatments, and manage post-operative and long-term care through guided observation and discussion.
Critical Care & Rehabilitation Processes: Gain insight into ICU workflows, stabilisation protocols, and species-specific rehabilitation planning under expert supervision.
Multidisciplinary Team Environment: Work alongside veterinarians, rehabilitators, rescue teams, and conservation professionals to understand holistic wildlife care.
Wildlife Rescue Operations (Observational): Accompany rescue teams on selected field responses to observe rescue logistics, safety protocols, and field triage workflows.
Mentorship & Professional Development: Receive structured mentorship, case discussions, and learning support from experienced wildlife professionals.
Project video
Participants on the Veterinary and Husbandry Volunteering Programme at RESQ Charitable Trust experience an immersive educational programme focused on wildlife veterinary systems, rehabilitation science, and conservation practice.
Volunteers are exposed to the realities of wildlife medicine in India - high caseloads, diverse species, trauma management, and long-term rehabilitation - while learning within a strictly regulated and ethical framework.
This programme is designed to build understanding, competence and professional insight, rather than provide unsupervised clinical practice.
Volunteers on the Veterinary Project at RESQ Charitable Trust will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities, both within the hospital and in the field, offering them a comprehensive experience in wildlife medicine and conservation.
In-Hospital Learning Activities
Participation in daily medical rounds through observation, case discussions, and supervised assistance with documentation and monitoring
Observation of surgical procedures, including preparation, anaesthesia protocols, and post-operative recovery processes
Exposure to diagnostic imaging and laboratory workflows, learning how veterinarians interpret results for clinical decision-making
Time spent in the Wildlife ICU, observing intensive care protocols, monitoring techniques, and welfare considerations
Rotations across departments such as general medicine, surgery, and intensive care
Learning about medication protocols, dosage calculations, and species-specific considerations (administration by authorised staff only)
Supporting wildlife rehabilitation teams through non-clinical husbandry and enrichment activities under guidance
Out-of Hospital & Field Exposure Activities
Accompanying wildlife rescue teams on emergency calls to observe rescue coordination, safety procedures, and stabilisation workflows
Learning about human-wildlife conflict response, logistics, and inter-agency coordination
Observing wildlife release procedures, including final veterinary clearances, transport logistics, and post-release considerations
Role & Scope of Participation
All diagnosis, medical decision-making, treatment planning, invasive procedures, surgery, medication administration, and animal handling are carried out exclusively by RESQ’s authorised, India-registered wildlife veterinarians and trained staff, in accordance with applicable Indian laws, statutory veterinary practice regulations, and permissions granted by the Forest Department.
Volunteers participate strictly in a supervised, observational, and assisted learning capacity. Independent veterinary practice, unsupervised animal handling, or autonomous clinical decision-making by volunteers is not permitted.
No animals are harmed, manipulated, or used for teaching, testing, or experimental purposes. All wildlife admitted to RESQ receives care solely on the basis of clinical need arising from rescue, injury, illness, or orphaning. Learning takes place only through observation of real-world cases and established, welfare-driven treatment protocols, with animal welfare, ethical practice, and conservation outcomes as the highest priority.
Project Photos
ACCOMMODATION
You will be provided with comfortable and enriching accommodation at the RESQ Centre as part of the Veterinary or Wildlife Husbandry Project at RESQ Charitable Trust.
The RESQ Volunteer Residence "Chafa" (Twin Sharing Rooms): Located within the RESQ Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the RESQ Volunteer Residence offers a comfortable, community-oriented living experience. You will stay in twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms. The accommodation also includes a communal dining room and living spaces, creating a cozy and supportive environment that fosters camaraderie among volunteers and staff.
This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the daily operations of the rehabilitation centre, with the convenience of being on-site. The accommodation is designed to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, allowing you to focus entirely on your important work with wildlife, knowing you have a welcoming place to relax and recharge.
LOCATION
The RESQ Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre is situated within a 22-acre reserve forest facility, established by the Maharashtra Forest Department and jointly developed and operated by RESQ Charitable Trust.
Located on the edge of Pune city, the Centre offers a rare balance of protected forest surroundings and access to urban amenities. Pune is a culturally vibrant city with a strong academic, technological, and social ecosystem, making it an ideal base for learning and conservation work.
Whether you are involved in veterinary care, wildlife husbandry, or fieldwork, the Centre’s location provides the perfect setting for unmatched conservation efforts. It fosters a deep connection to the environment and the wildlife we strive to protect while still being conveniently close to the cultural and urban amenities of Pune city.
PROJECT FEE
To provide you with a fun, safe, and rewarding stay, we have a project fee that covers your accommodation, meals, and transfers during your time with us. This cost also ensures you are covered by our public liability and professional indemnity insurance. We do not charge for your training or time spent with our vets, so you can focus on having an amazing experience while we take care of the details.
This project begins every Friday of the year. Volunteers should fly into Pune via Pune International Airport (PNQ) and arrive by 10 am on the Friday your project starts
2026 project fee:
2 weeks: £2000
3 weeks: £2500
4 weeks: £3000
2026 project fee for Indian Nationals and Passport Holders:
Currently residing and studying in India.
2 weeks: £1,000
3 weeks: £1,250
4 weeks: £1,500
2027 project fee:
2 weeks: £2,200.00
3 weeks: £2,750.00
4 weeks: £3,300.00
2027 project fee for Indian Nationals and Passport Holders:
Currently residing and studying in India.
2 weeks: £1,200.00
3 weeks: £1,500.00
4 weeks: £1,800.00
What's Included
Want to know what is included? Great news, it is pretty much everything including:
Pre-departure assistance
Local accommodation
3 delicious meals a day
Transportation to and from the airport
24-hour support on every project and at the volunteer accommodation by onsite staff
What's Not Included
Visas
Personal medical insurance
Flights
Required Rabies and Tetanus Vaccinations (must be UTD or have a recent titer)
Indian nationals attending this project
Indian nationals can stay and eat at the center or stay and eat with family. Local pricing doesn’t change regardless of this choice. If you don’t stay onsite, you will need to coordinate your own transport.
Indian passport holders will qualify for the local rates only if currently living and/or studying in India.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Due to the isolated nature of our locations, and the demanding nature of our work, a certain level of fitness is required to join this project. While we try to make our work as comfortable as possible, there are times when physical tasks are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
As such, you should be able to:
Climb up and down from a high pickup truck
Comfortably run 50 metres
Walk 3 kilometres over rocky and uneven ground
Not suffer from severe or unmanaged depression or anxiety
If mental or physical challenges prove problematic to safety, attendees will be required to sit out of activities, and in severe circumstances, we reserve the right to terminate a stay based on incorrectly or undisclosed disabilities. If you have a history of physical injuries, disabilities, or mental health conditions and would like to discuss your fitness to attend, we encourage you to apply and highlight this in your application form. We’re more than happy to have a conversation with you, and always do our best to be inclusive and accommodating.
AGE: 20 - 65 years old
The RESQ Wildlife Veterinary Internship: Open to clinical-year vet students, vet tech/nurse students, qualified vets, and qualified vet techs/nurses
The RESQ Wildlife Husbandry Internship: Open to anyone
EMS (other), CEMS, CPD, CE
Fitness Requirements
Due to the isolated nature of our locations, and the demanding nature of our work, a certain level of fitness is required to join this project. While we try to make our work as comfortable as possible, there are times when physical tasks are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
As such, you should be able to:
Climb up and down from a high pickup truck
Comfortably run 50 metres
Walk 1 kilometre over rocky and uneven ground
Not suffer from severe or unmanaged depression or anxiety
If mental or physical challenges prove problematic to safety, attendees will be required to sit out of activities, and in severe circumstances, we reserve the right to terminate a stay based on incorrectly or undisclosed disabilities. If you have a history of physical injuries, disabilities, or mental health conditions and would like to discuss your fitness to attend, we encourage you to apply and highlight this in your application form. We’re more than happy to have a conversation with you, and always do our best to be inclusive and accommodating.
WHAT NEXT?
We want you to join us in India to enjoy the experience of a lifetime and to gain ample hands-on experience with a diverse range of wildlife. Just hit the "apply now" button and fill in the form.
Project Fees
Volunteering is a rewarding experience that makes a real impact on animal welfare and provides a chance to learn and travel to beautiful places....
booking conditions
Worldwide Vets aims to provide you with an easy booking experience and the a trip of a lifetime. As such, we have terms and conditions we ask you to abide by when booking a project with us...
PAST feedback
Laura De Giorgi
17th January - 14th February 2025
"Amazing experience as a volunteer at RESQ (Pune).
The center is very well organised. Everyone is welcoming and kind. The team of vets is helpful and ready to support. The number of cases handled in the clinic is unbelievable (birds, monkeys, cattle, felines and more). The overall experience is highly recommended."
Bailey Romi
9th - 30th June 2024
"Visiting RESQ and working with their team was one of the biggest highlights of my year. I am a registered veterinary technologist from America and was blown away by their standard of care and procedures. They have truly made a mark in their community for rehabilitating everything from crows to leopards, while teaching locals how to peacefully coexist with wildlife.
On arrival, I was warmly welcomed and felt immediately at home with their team. If there was anything I wanted to learn or improve on, the team gave me every opportunity to practice, and therefore I was much more confident when I ultimately completed my visit. It was a sad goodbye, but I will go again in a heartbeat."
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