Envision by WorldStrides

Future Vet: Zoo Medicine D.C.

Spend six days in Washington, D.C. exploring veterinary medicine through hands-on experiences.

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Where Young Animal Lovers Discover Their Future

You're practicing suturing under a veterinarian's guidance and learning microscope techniques to examine specimens at Future Vet: Zoo Medicine in Washington, D.C. This program at American University provides authentic veterinary training for middle schoolers through professional teaching veterinarians who guide you through real techniques like physical exams, suture work, and wildlife blow dart practice.

Daily discoveries include zoo visits and animal enrichment design, while evenings feature activities with fellow animal enthusiasts. Whether beginning to consider veterinary medicine or already passionate about animal care, this program provides foundation knowledge and early veterinary hours for your academic journey toward veterinary school.

Grades:

6-8

Duration:

6 - 7 Days

Format:

Commuter, Residential

Starting Price:

$3,499.00

Locations, program content, and speakers are subject to change.

Envision by WorldStrides

For over 40 years, Envision—part of the WorldStrides family—has helped students from elementary through high school explore their interests and uncover what excites them most. Our immersive programs are built with educators and industry experts to support career exploration, leadership growth, and college prep. Along the way, students build real-world skills, boost their confidence, and start to see a clearer path toward their future.

Why This Program Changes Everything

Real Veterinary Lab Experience

Students can look forward to using the same tools and techniques as professional veterinarians, from taking heart rates and using a microscope to suturing a wound and even practicing veterinary first aid.

Behind-the-Scenes Zoo Learning

Explore a local Washington, D.C. zoo to learn about enrichment activities and enclosure design while discovering what it really takes to care for diverse animal species in professional settings.

Veterinary Career Exploration

Throughout their time at Future Vet: Zoo Medicine D.C., students will explore the various career paths in veterinary science and learn about the dedication it takes to become successful in veterinary school.

The Business Side of Animal Care

Students learn about the important roles of zookeepers and veterinarians, plus the business side of animal care including feed costs and designing and maintaining zoo enclosures.

Built to Launch Your Veterinary Journey

Start Building Your Veterinary Portfolio Early

Earn up to 25 veterinary hours toward future vet school admission requirements, giving you a significant advantage by starting early and demonstrating long-term commitment to veterinary medicine.

Learn Professional Veterinary Skills

Master fundamental techniques including physical examinations, suturing, microscope work, heart rate monitoring, and veterinary first aid, providing a strong foundation for advanced veterinary studies.

Explore Diverse Animal Care Careers

Discover veterinary medicine paths from companion animal care to exotic medicine and zoo management, learning about the educational journey and requirements to succeed in this competitive field.

Small Group Learning at American University

With a maximum of 30 students and 15:1 student-to-veterinarian ratio, you'll receive personalized attention and mentorship while experiencing college campus life with hands-on guidance from veterinary professionals.

Dates, Locations, & Tuition

Regions:

American University

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

$3,999.00Residential

Dates: June 21-27

Duration: 7 Days

$3,499.00Commuter

Dates: June 22-27

Duration: 6 Days

See Full List of Dates

Enroll Now

Featured Extras

Companion Animal Medicine Virtual Course Bundle

Join Dr. Kristina Perez for this comprehensive three-module course covering companion animal care fundamentals, canine and feline body systems, and advanced diagnostics to build your foundation in small animal veterinary practice.

Tuition & Travel Protection

Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.

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Sample Itinerary

* Exact itinerary will vary by session and location. Participants should reference the itinerary provided as part of their enrollment package

Day 1

Program Registration

Check-In and Orientation

Feel the energy as you navigate through registration lines, begin to form connections with peers, and let your anxiety for the week fade away.

Setting Expectations & Goals

Welcome Activities and Orientation

Connect with your WorldStrides team and Loop Abroad veterinarians as you kick off the week with welcome activities and orientation.

Day 2

Introduction to Animal Anatomy

Begin your veterinary journey with an introduction to animal anatomy, led by your veterinarian, covering foundational body systems and their roles in health and care.

Lab Activity: Suturing and Assisted Dissection

Practice essential suturing techniques under the guidance of your veterinarian, gaining hands-on experience in wound closure and surgical skills used in clinical animal care.

Day 3

Lecture: Veterinary careers with exotic animals

Discover veterinary career paths with exotic animals as your vet shares experiences working with wildlife, zoo species, and the differences between clinical care, fieldwork, and conservation roles.

Lab: Small pets handling and physical exams

Learn to safely handle small pets and perform physical exams under veterinary guidance, focusing on gentle techniques and health assessment skills.

Lecture: Veterinary school discussion

Explore the path to veterinary school as vet staff share insights on admissions, coursework, career options, and what it takes to succeed in the field.

Lab: Using a microscope and canine first aid

Learn to use a microscope for examining samples and practice canine first aid techniques with your veterinarian, focusing on emergency care and health assessment.

Day 4

Field Activity: GPS tracking and animal training

Explore GPS tracking and animal training at the zoo with your vet using a hands-on activity sheet.

Field Activity: Comparative anatomy of zoo animals

Compare zoo animal anatomy with your vet using an activity sheet that highlights similarities and differences across species during your zoo visit.

Field Activity: Designing an animal enrichment

Design animal enrichment with your vet using an activity sheet that explores creative ideas and examines existing enrichment tools used throughout the zoo.

Lab: Blow Darts

Create blow darts with veterinary guidance, learning how they're safely designed and used for animal care and remote treatment back at the program site.

Day 5

Field Activity: Feeding zoo animals cost analysis

Analyze the cost of feeding zoo animals with your vet using an activity sheet that breaks down diets, quantities, and budgeting during your zoo visit.

Field Activity: Designing a zoo exhibit

Design a zoo exhibit with your vet using an activity sheet focused on habitat, animal needs, and visitor experience.

Lab: Reptile handling & anatomy

Handle reptiles under veterinary supervision while learning their unique anatomy, behavior, and care techniques through a hands-on lesson back at the program site.

Day 6

Field Activity: Farm Visit

Visit a scenic farm where students meet goats and other barn animals, learning about their care in a peaceful, hands-on environment.

D.C. Monument Experience

Take a brief bus tour of Washington, D.C., stopping at select monuments. Locations may vary depending on traffic and timing.

Final Group Meeting

Wrap up with a brief farewell gathering for both residential and day students to celebrate the experience together.

Day 7

Departure

Check-Out

Students who have flights will be brought to the airport while all other students will wait to be picked up

Health & Safety

Travel with confidence knowing you're never alone out there. When you choose Envision by WorldStrides, you've got an entire support network working around the clock to keep you safe.

Learn More

About Loop Abroad, our partner in Veterinary Medicine

Loop Abroad is the leading pre-veterinary travel program in the nation, with thousands of alumni at university and vet school campuses across the U.S. Their programs help students experience diverse veterinary careers firsthand. With an international team of expert wildlife and zoo veterinarians, Loop Abroad helps empower students to pursue the animal science careers of their dreams.

Testimonial

"I learned so much about what veterinarians actually do every day. Getting to practice suturing and use real veterinary tools was amazing. Now I know for sure I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up!"

Maya L.

Frequently Asked Questions

What work background does your staff have? Have they worked with youth before? 

All of our staff go through extensive training that includes developmental needs of students, facilitation techniques, classroom management strategies, as well as our medical, emergency, safety, and accountability policies. Many of our support staff are college students who have a passion for working with youth.

Is there a packing list?

One will be provided online closer to the program, that said students are outside from approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the summer, working with animals. Appropriate yet comfortable attire will be required. Closed toe shoes are a requirement.

Can I request to be roommates with someone else?

We assign roommates according to the age of each student unless we receive a specific request. Although we try to ensure that every student has a roommate, we cannot guarantee a roommate, and some students may be placed in a single room. Students can request one roommate if:

Both students are enrolled in the same program/session
Both students identify as the same gender
Both students complete the online Roommate Request Form no later than three weeks before their session.

I have specific dietary restrictions. Where do I submit this information and who can I speak with to discuss my needs?

If you have specific dietary concerns you can submit your needs before the program starts via the student portal. We have vegetarian options available for all meals at all locations.

I take medication, how will that be handled?

You should inform staff of any medication, and you will need to self-manage medication while on program. Families should be reminded to send more than enough medication for the duration of the program. Envision staff are not able to administer any kind of medication, even over-the-counter medication, like Tylenol. Parents must complete a Student Medication Administration Form (included on the Student Portal) and submit it to the program staff on arrival day. Special requests regarding medication, including requests for refrigeration should also be communicated to our Office of Admissions, (866) 858-5323.

I left an important item at home. What do I do?

Your family should contact the onsite contact phone number so coordination can occur. The group is offsite all day and back on campus in the evening. All items, unless urgent, will be delivered to you upon return to campus in the evening.

I am having trouble with my roommate or classmate. What support is available to help?

All of our staff members are equipped to help scholars with any issues or concerns that may arise during the program. If at any time you have a concern, you are encouraged to reach out to a staff member for assistance. An onsite staff member is available 24 hours.

What if I don’t feel well?

Our staff is here to support you every step of the way. If you ever have a question, concern, or just need a little help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team members. There’s always a staff member onsite, available around the clock, and you’ll also have direct cell phone numbers for designated program staff so you can connect with someone whenever you need to.

I will be arriving late to the program; can I still attend?

Yes! If you know you’ll be arriving late to the program, just give our Program Office or Admissions team a quick call to let us know. When you get here, we’ll help you complete registration and make sure you’re personally escorted to join the group so you can jump right in.

What education level do your staff have?

All of our veterinarians are professionals in the industry. Senior Management Staff have a bachelor’s degree or above. Support staff are often collegiate students in veterinary school or in education or like backgrounds, most are also alumnae of prior veterinary medicine programs of our partner, Loop Abroad.

Your Nomination Makes An Impact

For over 40 years, Envision’s programs have helped students discover their passion, test drive careers, and develop as leaders. Give students an opportunity to reach their full potential by nominating them today.

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Future Vet: Zoo Medicine D.C.