RESQ Wildlife Vet Internship
India
Founded in 2007, RESQ Charitable Trust has aimed to provide emergency care, hospitalisation, and rehabilitation to any native Indian wildlife species. Utilising a team of 85+ passionate employees, RESQ has developed a facility to encompass tactical responses to critical wildlife concerns, field responses for day-to-day intakes, species and need-specific rehabilitative units, and a full team of qualified veterinarians and para-vets to attend to each and every patient. Additionally, staff and volunteers take the time to educate local communities on ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas of high concern.
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
Diverse Clinical Cases: You will encounter a wide range of clinical cases, from routine health checks to complex surgeries.
Surgical Procedures and Advanced Treatments: You will assist in surgical procedures and advanced treatments under the guidance of experienced wildlife veterinarians.
Critical Care and Rehabilitation: You will engage in the critical care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife.
Collaborative Multidisciplinary Work: You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team, including wildlife rehabilitators and conservationists, to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Wildlife Rescue Operations: Depending on the nature of the field operation, you will be actively involved in wildlife rescue missions, offering immediate medical care and stabilisation to injured animals in the field.
Mentorship and Professional Development: You will receive mentorship from experienced wildlife veterinarians, fostering your professional development.
Project video
Volunteers on the Veterinary Project at RESQ Charitable Trust will embark on a highly immersive and educational journey in the field of wildlife veterinary management. Tailored for individuals with veterinary training, this project offers you an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a diverse array of wildlife species, from large carnivores to smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Throughout the project, you will encounter a broad spectrum of clinical cases, ranging from routine health checks to complex surgical procedures. Under the guidance of experienced wildlife veterinarians, you will assist in surgeries, perform diagnostic tests, and participate in administering advanced treatments. This hands-on involvement not only enhances your surgical and diagnostic skills but also deepens your understanding of the unique medical challenges faced by wildlife.
A significant portion of the project is dedicated to the critical care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals. You will help develop and implement tailored rehabilitation plans, ensuring that each animal receives the specialised care necessary for recovery and eventual release back into the wild. This aspect of the project provides valuable insights into the complexities of wildlife rehabilitation and the importance of species-specific treatment approaches.
In addition to clinical work, you may be involved in wildlife rescue operations, depending on the nature of the reported incidents. You will provide immediate medical care and stabilisation to injured animals, often in remote or challenging environments. This real-time experience in the field offers a unique perspective on the urgent nature of wildlife conservation.
The Veterinary Project also includes collaborative work with a multidisciplinary team of wildlife rescuers, rehabilitators, and conservationists, fostering a holistic approach to animal care. You will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, furthering your professional development and enhancing your understanding of the ethical and practical considerations unique to veterinary care in a wildlife context. This project is not only a significant professional development opportunity but also a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of India’s diverse and endangered wildlife.
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 Activities
You will begin your journey with daily medical rounds, where you will assist with health assessments, administer treatments, and monitor the progress of a wide variety of wildlife patients. These rounds will provide a foundational understanding of the medical needs and conditions of different species.
A key experience in the hospital will be exposure to surgical procedures. You will observe and assist in surgeries, ranging from minor operations to complex, life-saving procedures. Your involvement will extend to both pre-operative and post-operative care, ensuring a holistic understanding of the surgical process.
Additionally, you will engage in diagnostic imaging and lab work. You will learn to interpret X-rays and lab results, playing an active role in formulating treatment plans. This will be complemented by time spent in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where you will provide critical care to severely injured or ill animals, including monitoring vital signs and administering necessary medications.
Through various departmental rotations—including general medicine, surgery, and intensive care—you will develop a comprehensive understanding of wildlife healthcare. You will also assist in medication management, learning about appropriate dosages, drug interactions, and species-specific medical needs.
Moreover, you will contribute to wildlife rehabilitation efforts by working closely with veterinarians and rehabilitation managers to set up and implement rehabilitation programs for animals undergoing pre-conditioning for release back into the wild. This will involve creating and monitoring tailored rehabilitation plans, ensuring that each animal is prepared for a successful return to its natural habitat.
Out-of Hospital Activities
Beyond the hospital, you will be actively involved in wildlife rescue operations. You will join the rescue team on emergency calls, assisting in field triage and the stabilisation of injured animals. These operations often take place in challenging environments, providing you with a deep understanding of the urgency and complexity involved in wildlife rescues.
You will also play a crucial role in wildlife release programs. You will participate in the final stages of rehabilitation, conducting health checks, assisting with transport arrangements, and monitoring animals during their release back into the wild. These activities are essential to conservation efforts and provide you with a profound sense of accomplishment as you witness the successful reintegration of wildlife into their natural habitats.
Throughout your involvement, you will experience a dynamic and immersive environment that combines clinical work with field-based conservation efforts. This holistic approach will equip you with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of wildlife healthcare and rehabilitation, making your contribution invaluable to the ongoing efforts at RESQ Charitable Trust.
Project Photos
Accomodation
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 Centre is situated within a sprawling 22-acre facility, nestled in a pristine reserve forest, offering you a unique and immersive environment for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. This expansive area is surrounded by hectares of untouched forestland, creating a tranquil haven for both the wildlife under our care and the volunteers who join us.
Strategically located at the edge of Pune city, the RESQ Centre enjoys the best of both worlds—proximity to urban conveniences and the serenity of a protected forest. Pune, often referred to as the "Oxford of the East," is a vibrant and culturally rich city known for its prestigious educational institutions, thriving IT industry, and burgeoning arts and culinary scene. The city blends modernity and tradition, with historical landmarks standing alongside contemporary shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes. Pune’s pleasant climate, cooler temperatures, and lush greenery make it an ideal location.
Whether you are involved in veterinary care, wildlife husbandry, or fieldwork, the RESQ Centre’s location provides the perfect setting for hands-on 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.
2025 project fee:
2 weeks: £2000
3 weeks: £2500
4 weeks: £3000
2026 project fee:
2 weeks: £2000
3 weeks: £2500
4 weeks: £3000
2026 project fee for Indian Nationals and Passport Holders:
2 weeks: £1,000
3 weeks: £1,250
4 weeks: £1,500
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.
Any Indian passport holder will qualify for the local rates regardless of where they currently live.
Project Specifics
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 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.
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
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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