Volunteer vet/vet nurse &
student placements

Calling vets and vet nurses

Join us for a unique and rewarding experience in the world of wildlife medicine. Volunteering at Vales offers qualified veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) the opportunity to develop their skills in the fast-paced and fascinating field of wildlife treatment and rehabilitation.

As one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the UK, we care for a wide range of species and conditions – no two days are the same.

Whether you’re looking for a short-term placement or a longer immersive experience, this is a chance to broaden your clinical knowledge, work with diverse cases, and contribute directly to the care and recovery of wild animals.

Apply today

Accommodation

Limited self-catering accommodation may be available for volunteers, subject to a weekly charge. For further details, please contact info@valewildlife.org.uk

Important information

Veterinary surgeons who qualified outside the UK (with an RCVS-recognised qualification) may practise in the UK for up to 3 months within a 12-month period under visiting registration, provided they are registered in their home country.

For placements exceeding 3 months, full registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is required.

Overseas graduates are only required to complete the Professional Development Phase (PDP) if registering with the RCVS for more than three months.

All volunteer vets and RVNs are expected to work in line with Vales’ Standard Operating Procedures and Practice Guidelines, under the supervision of our veterinary team.

Proof of qualifications and eligibility to practise (including your registration number) must be provided before your placement begins.

For more information regarding registration

Are you a student?

We’re delighted to welcome veterinary students to join us for placements, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation.

We offer two types of placements:
Clinical placements, where students work alongside our veterinary surgeons, gaining exposure to diagnosis, treatment, and clinical decision-making

Pre-clinical/Husbandry placements, where students work with our Wildlife Care Assistants, focusing on animal care, feeding, and day-to-day rehabilitation.

You’ll be asked to specify your preferred placement type when completing your application form.

Apply today

Clinical placement availability

Clinical placements are extremely popular and are typically booked well in advance.

2026: Fully booked
2027: Fully booked
2028 bookings: Opening in early 2027

Please check this page regularly, as any cancellations will be advertised here.

We generally have greater availability for pre-clinical/husbandry placements, as we can accommodate more students at one time.

The costs

Non-residential placements:
There is no fixed charge, but we kindly ask for a suggested £50 per week voluntary contribution to support the work of the charity. (Following changes to Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons guidelines, we removed the mandatory fee to make placements more accessible – however, contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Residential placements:
£150 for the first week
£120 for the second and subsequent weeks
(Includes placement costs)

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at booking, with the remaining balance due at least one month before your placement

Apply today

Accommodation

We offer limited on-site, self-catering accommodation.

A chalet-style mobile home (shared with other students), featuring: Kitchen, living area, bathroom (bath and shower), and private garden. Bedding and towels provided (you’re welcome to bring your own)

Please note:
Accommodation is shared. You’ll need to bring your own food.

Alternative local accommodation options are available on request.

Placement details

Minimum age: 17 years

Duration: 1–4 weeks (longer by special arrangement)

Placements are in high demand and often booked 12+ months in advance

Students are expected to work 5 days out of 7, which may include weekend shifts.

Apply today
Registered Vet / Vet Nurse Volunteer Form
We welcome registered vets and vet nurses to come and volunteer at the hospital to get more experience with British wildlife. Applicants must be registered with the RCVS. We are quite flexible with days / times that volunteer veterinary professionals can attend but it is useful to be able to get into a volunteer routine, if possible. Please note: You will require your own vehicle to get to the hospital as public transport is limited.
Name
Date of Birth (volunteers must be 18 or over)
Availability
Do you have any past experience in volunteer work?
Emergency contact details
Work Experience Application
IMPORTANT - Please complete this form if you would like to apply for a work placement at Vale Wildlife Hospital. Places are highly sought after (often being booked more than a year in advance) and are allocated on a first-come, first served basis, so acceptance cannot be guaranteed. For non-residential placements we charge £50 per week, payable at the time of booking. Each placement week consists of 5 days work experience over a 7 day period so it may include weekend working. ACCOMMODATION. We have limited on-site, self-catering accommodation consisting of a 3 bedroom mobile home (also has kitchen, living room, bathroom with bath and shower, and private garden) at a cost of £150 per week for the first week and £120 per week for the second and subsequent weeks (this includes the £50 per week placement fee). A 50% non-refundable deposit will be required for the accommodation before the placement is confirmed, with the remainder due no later than one month before your placement begins. You must be prepared to share the accommodation with others. Please tick the relevant box on the application form if you need accommodation. After you submit the form, we will contact you by email within the next few days regarding your application.
Name
(You must be 17 years or over at the time of your placement)
Do you require accommodation (please read the information at the top of the form)?
If you have ticked 'Yes' to the previous question, will you have your own transport during your stay?
We need this information as the work involved can be very physical.