Offsite Electives

This elective will provide the veterinary student with hands-on clinical experience in a nonprofit, high-volume veterinary setting serving dogs and cats in Southwest Florida. The student will work alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians and participate in the daily clinical and surgical workflow under appropriate veterinary supervision.

The primary focus of the elective will be high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) medicine and surgery. Depending on the student's experience level and demonstrated competency, opportunities may include patient assessment, development of anesthetic plans, calculation and administration of medications, IV catheter placement, induction and intubation, anesthetic monitoring, surgical preparation, participation in spay and neuter procedures, postoperative recovery, pain management, and discharge planning.

The student may also gain exposure to preventive medicine, vaccination protocols, infectious and parasitic disease prevention, community cat/TNR medicine, and the management of common medical conditions encountered in a nonprofit veterinary setting.

Throughout the elective, emphasis will be placed on safe and efficient patient care, proper surgical technique, anesthesia and pain management, clinical decision-making, teamwork, medical record documentation, and communication. The experience will also provide insight into the role of nonprofit veterinary medicine in improving access to veterinary care and addressing pet overpopulation within the community.

All procedures and clinical activities will be performed at the discretion of and under the supervision of the attending veterinarian, based on the student's training, experience, and demonstrated competency.

The Live4Now W!ld Vets programme is a specialised wildlife veterinary and conservation course designed for veterinary students, veterinary professionals, and wildlife enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge of wildlife medicine while gaining valuable hands-on experience in South Africa.

Over three action-packed weeks, you'll learn directly from experienced wildlife veterinarians, game capture specialists, rehabilitation experts, and conservation professionals. The programme combines expert-led lectures, practical workshops, certified veterinary short courses, field-based learning, and real conservation experiences to provide a comprehensive understanding of wildlife veterinary medicine and conservation.

Throughout the programme, you'll have the opportunity to participate in conservation activities on Big Five game reserves, observe and assist with wildlife veterinary procedures (where appropriate), visit wildlife rehabilitation centres, work alongside veterinarians in community veterinary clinics, and gain first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of wildlife conservation in Africa.

Your programme fee is fully inclusive and covers accommodation, three meals per day, all in-country transportation, airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days, and all scheduled activities, ensuring you can focus entirely on your learning and experience.

THE PROGRAMME WILL ADDRESS ASPECTS SUCH AS:

WILDLIFE DISEASES & DIAGNOSTICS
Develop an understanding of the major diseases affecting African wildlife, including how they are diagnosed, monitored, and managed. Learn about disease surveillance, diagnostic testing, epidemiology, and disease control strategies, while exploring the complex relationship between wildlife, livestock, humans, and ecosystem health.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Gain valuable insight into the conservation strategies used to manage Big Five reserves. Learn about habitat management, anti-poaching initiatives, population monitoring, and breeding programmes that support the long-term survival of endangered species.

GAME CAPTURE & TRANSLOCATION
Discover the techniques and planning involved in safely capturing, immobilising, and relocating wildlife. Learn why translocations are an essential conservation tool for maintaining healthy populations, supporting biodiversity, and managing protected areas. If wildlife captures take place during your stay, you may have the opportunity to observe or assist under the supervision of experienced professionals.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BREEDING & REHABILITATION
Explore the important role that conservation breeding programmes play in protecting vulnerable and endangered species. Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre to learn how injured, orphaned, and poisoned animals are rescued, treated, rehabilitated, and, whenever possible, successfully released back into the wild.

COMMUNITY VETERINARY CLINIC (CVC)
Spend time with veterinarians providing essential primary healthcare to domestic animals in underprivileged rural communities. Learn how community veterinary medicine improves animal welfare while supporting responsible pet ownership, livestock health, and education for pet owners and subsistence farmers.

WILDLIFE PHARMACOLOGY & DARTING
Learn the principles of wildlife pharmacology and the safe use of immobilising drugs in free-ranging wildlife. Under veterinary supervision, you'll gain practical experience preparing tranquilliser darts and develop an understanding of the protocols, safety measures, and decision-making involved in wildlife immobilisation.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Develop the skills to observe and interpret animal behaviour, communication, and social interactions. Understand how behavioural knowledge assists wildlife veterinarians and conservationists in animal management, welfare, and conservation decision-making.

SPECIALISED VETERINARY COURSES

As part of the programme, you'll complete certified courses in Reptile Medicine, Avian Medicine, and Small Mammal Medicine, led by experienced wildlife veterinarians. These courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, covering husbandry, safe handling techniques, health assessments, common diseases, diagnostics, treatment, anaesthesia, first aid, rehabilitation, and basic surgical principles. Upon successful completion of each course, you will receive certificates recognising your participation and newly acquired knowledge and skills.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAMME:

CONSERVATION ON BIG 5 GAME RESERVE

During your time on the Big 5 reserve, you'll gain valuable insight into the day-to-day management of a Big 5 game reserve through a variety of practical conservation activities and expert-led presentations.

Activities may include:

Telemetry Training – Learn how to track wildlife using radio telemetry and other advanced monitoring techniques.

Camera Trap Monitoring – Assist with setting up camera traps, retrieving data, and analysing images for wildlife monitoring and research.

Vehicle-Based Game Counts – Discover how conservationists monitor wildlife populations and assess predator-prey dynamics.

Animal Tracking – Learn to identify spoor, dung middens, feeding signs, and behavioural indicators while tracking wildlife in the field.

Bird Ringing & Identification – Participate in bird ringing, species identification, and ecological data collection alongside experienced ornithologists.

Anti-Poaching Operations – Gain insight into modern anti-poaching strategies, security systems, and the technology used to protect endangered wildlife.

Conservation Interventions (Subject to Availability) – Depending on operational requirements, you may have the opportunity to observe or assist with activities such as rhino dehorning, predator collaring, wildlife translocations, or other conservation management procedures.

You'll attend presentations covering a range of conservation topics, including animal management, reserve management, carrying capacity, wildlife diseases, security operations, and the innovative technology used to manage and protect wildlife populations.

K9 CONSERVATION UNIT
Spend time with a highly trained anti-poaching K9 unit and discover the essential role conservation dogs play in protecting Africa's wildlife. Learn how these remarkable dogs are trained to detect snares, track poachers, locate illegal wildlife products, and support anti-poaching and law enforcement operations.

REHABILITATION CENTRE
Visit a leading wildlife rehabilitation and endangered species breeding centre to learn about the vital role rehabilitation plays in modern conservation. Discover how injured, orphaned, and poisoned wildlife are rescued, treated, rehabilitated, and released, while also exploring the importance of conservation breeding programmes in protecting threatened and endangered species.

SAFARI GAME DRIVES
Enjoy a guided safari game drives through the world-renowned Kruger National Park and surrounding conservation areas with your Live4Now guide. These drives provide excellent opportunities to observe Africa's iconic wildlife, including the Big Five, while learning about animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation in one of the world's most celebrated wildlife destinations.

HELICOPTER FLIP (Weather & Operationally Dependent)

Gain insight into the role helicopters play in modern wildlife conservation and game capture operations. Learn about dart preparation techniques and if conditions and operational requirements allow, experience a helicopter flip—an unforgettable highlight that offers a unique perspective on wildlife conservation from above.

WHY choose Live4now W!LD VETS?

•Real Wildlife Veterinary Experience
Go beyond the classroom and gain genuine, practical experience in authentic wildlife settings. Observe and, where appropriate, assist with real veterinary procedures, game capture operations, conservation interventions, and wildlife health management alongside experienced professionals.

•Learn from Industry Leaders
Train alongside some of South Africa's leading wildlife veterinarians, game capture specialists, rehabilitation experts, and conservation professionals. Benefit from their knowledge, experience, and mentorship while learning how they tackle the challenges of wildlife medicine every day.

•Small Group Sizes
We intentionally keep our groups small to ensure every participant receives personalised guidance, greater interaction with instructors, and more opportunities for practical learning. This creates a supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, build confidence, and gain meaningful experience.

•Build an Outstanding CV
Stand out from other graduates by gaining practical wildlife veterinary experience that demonstrates initiative, commitment, and a genuine passion for wildlife conservation. The skills and experiences gained during the programme will strengthen your CV and future university or job applications.

•Earn Certificates
Complete specialised veterinary short courses in Reptile Medicine, Avian Medicine, and Small Mammal Medicine, and receive certificates that showcase your additional training and commitment to professional development.

•Develop Practical Skills & Confidence
Build confidence by applying theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Develop practical skills in wildlife handling, diagnostics, pharmacology, anaesthesia, disease management, animal behaviour, conservation medicine, and veterinary decision-making under the guidance of experienced professionals.

•Experience the One Health Approach
Gain a deeper understanding of the vital connection between wildlife, domestic animals, people, and the environment. Learn how veterinarians play a key role in protecting ecosystems, preventing disease outbreaks, and supporting sustainable conservation efforts.

•Discover a Variety of Career Paths
Explore the many opportunities available within wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation, game capture, rehabilitation, zoological medicine, wildlife research, and reserve management. This programme offers valuable insight into careers that many students never have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

•Make a Meaningful Contribution
Become part of genuine conservation and community initiatives that make a real difference. Whether supporting wildlife veterinary work, participating in conservation projects, or assisting at community veterinary clinics, you'll contribute to the welfare of both animals and people.

•Create Lifelong Connections
Meet like-minded students, veterinarians, conservationists, and wildlife professionals from around the world. Build friendships, expand your professional network, and create connections that could benefit your future career.

•Experience South Africa's Incredible Wildlife
From the iconic Kruger National Park to Big 5 game reserves, wildlife rehabilitation centres, and conservation areas, you'll experience some of Africa's most spectacular landscapes while learning in one of the world's most biodiverse environments.

•An Adventure You'll Never Forget
More than just a course, W!ld Vets is a life-changing experience. You'll leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, increased confidence, practical skills, and a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation that will stay with you for years to come.

The links below will take you to the 2027 itineraries and course booklets for both the Full Course and Two-Week Course. The dates for each course can be found on the relevant itineraries.

 🦁 Full Course

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🐘 2-week Course

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🐬 Marine Course

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One of the things that makes Live4Now special is that we deliberately keep our groups small – just 8 students per course.

Small groups. More opportunities. Bigger experiences. 🐾 

Keeping the groups small allows students to get more involved, ask questions, interact closely with professionals and make the most of every experience.

We are a private 6 doctor practice with 3 locations in Northeast Iowa that offers 90% large animal (beef cattle, dairy cattle, small ruminants, some horses, and swine) and 10% small animal. We offer 3 fully equipped clinics, with in-house laboratory, digital radiography, ultrasound, surgical suites, cattle haul-in facilities and surgical pens. Students will be expected to work with veterinarians in clinic with companion animal appointments and surgeries as well as working with livestock in-house. We are an ambulatory clinic as well, with mobile vet units, and students will be expected to participate in farm calls.

We are an 8 doctor, small animal, veterinary hospital.  We offer care for dogs and cats Monday-Saturday.  Four of our doctors offer reproduction services.  These services include breeding exams, progesterone testing, semen collection, semen evaluations, AI's, TCI's, shipping semen, and more.  The veterinary student will have the opportunity to experience reproduction as well as general medicine and surgery.  

The veterinary student will be provided with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a mixed animal veterinary practice while working directly under the supervision and mentorship of licensed veterinarians. The student will be exposed to both small and large animal medicine, with experiences tailored to the practice caseload and the student’s current level of training. With six veterinarians on our team, the student will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of clinical experiences, perspectives, and areas of expertise.

Clinical experiences may include observing and assisting with patient examinations, history taking, diagnostic testing, development of differential diagnoses and treatment plans, preventive medicine, client communication, medical record documentation, surgical and dental procedures, anesthesia and patient monitoring, emergency and urgent care, and hospitalized patient management.

Large animal experiences may include farm calls, equine and livestock examinations, preventive health care, vaccinations, lameness evaluations, diagnostic procedures, field treatments, minor surgical procedures, and emergency cases when available.

The student will work alongside veterinarians and veterinary support staff to gain a better understanding of the daily operation of a mixed animal practice, including case management, communication with clients and team members, time management, professional decision-making, and continuity of patient care.

We are a small animal GP who sees Exotics, dogs, and cats.  We do a lot of soft tissue surgery as well as orthopedic procedures.  We also do a large number of dental procedures. 

We are a poultry company growing broilers to feed communities around the United States. We grow both parent stock and broilers. We have a veterinary team of 5 that oversees the health, welfare, and biosecurity of these birds.

General practice clinic with case load mix of healthy pets, preventative medicine, sick/illness, surgery (soft tissue, dentals).

Our five-doctor, privately owned small animal practice offers vet students an immersive, hands-on clinical experience in a supportive family atmosphere. Located in Oakdale, California, Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale provides comprehensive exposure to full-spectrum medicine, including wellness and preventative care, senior pet management, diagnostic workups for acute and chronic illnesses, routine and complex dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and outpatient urgent care.

Veterinary externs will actively participate in daily case management alongside our experienced associate veterinarians and dedicated support staff. Students will gain practical, real-world experience conducting physical exams, formulating diagnostic and treatment plans, practicing client communication, participating in surgical/dental procedures alongside our associate veterinarians, and handling urgent care triage. Our goal is to provide a collaborative, low-pressure mentorship environment where students can refine their technical skills and build clinical confidence before entering practice.

Providing veterinary students with hands-on experience in a mixed-animal practice. Students have opportunities to participate in examinations, diagnostics, treatments, surgery, anesthesia, dentistry, herd health, and farm calls. We can also offer exposure some aspects of practice ownership being a privately owned clinic.

Externs are encouraged to ask questions, develop clinical reasoning skills, and gain experience with client communication and day-to-day veterinary practice. Our goal is for students to gain practical clinical skills and a realistic understanding of community-based, rural mixed-animal veterinary medicine.