- Feel the energy as you navigate through registration lines, begin to form connections with peers, and let your anxiety for the week fade away.
Envision by WorldStrides
Veterinary Academy: Zoo Medicine & Management
Get a taste of zoology at Envision’s summer veterinary medicine program in Texas for high school students.
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Where Your Passion for Animals Meets Real-World Veterinary Medicine
Every great veterinarian starts with curiosity and compassion - but it takes hands-on experience to build the skills and confidence needed for this rewarding career. At Veterinary Academy: Zoo Medicine, you'll work alongside seasoned professionals at the Texas Zoo, where caring for everything from American alligators to rive otters is just another day at the office.
This intensive seven-day experience goes far beyond observing from the sidelines. You'll participate in actual veterinary procedures, contribute to animal care routines, and gain the kind of practical knowledge that can only come from working with diverse species in a professional setting. Whether you're already certain about veterinary medicine or still exploring your options, this program provides clarity, skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Grades:
9-12Duration:
7 DaysCollege Credit Hours:
1 College CreditVeterinary Hours:
40 HoursFormat:
ResidentialStarting Price:
$4,599.00Locations, 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.
Four Amazing Ways You'll Experience Zoo Life
Experience the Life of a Zookeeper
Do what zookeepers do every day: prepare specialized diets for 70+ species, maintain enclosures, and design enrichment activities that keep animals mentally stimulated.
The Zoo Is Your Classroom
Learn through hands-on field classes throughout the zoo, observing animal behaviors, discussing zoo ethics, and mastering veterinary techniques for different species.
Teach Real Zoo Visitors
After four days of learning, research a conservation topic you care about and present your own Keeper Talk to real zoo visitors.
Learn What Zoo Vets Actually Do
Get real lab experience with techniques zoo vets use daily: suturing practice, microscope work, blood analysis, physical exams, and reading X-rays.
What You'll Take Home
Starter Vet School Application Portfolio
Gain hands-on veterinary experience and up to 40 vet hours that strengthen your vet school application and show your commitment.
Hands-On Clinical Skills
Master essential techniques like suturing, bandaging, blood draws, and physical exams under expert supervision.
Clear Understanding of Veterinary Career Paths
Explore different vet specializations from wildlife care to zoo medicine, helping you decide your future path.
Expert Education
With max 30 students and 10:1 student-to-vet ratio, you'll get personalized attention and direct access to expert guidance.
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.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Tuition includes room & board, site visits & transportation during the program, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, college credit, and faculty & staff.
Regions:
Texas Zoo
Victoria, Texas, United States
$4,599.00Residential
Dates: June 21-27
Duration: 7 Days
$4,599.00Residential
Dates: June 28 - July 4
Duration: 7 Days
Featured Extras
Veterinary Online Experiences
The Veterinary Online Experiences provides online courses taught by expert veterinarians, allowing students to explore veterinary careers through hands-on virtual learning and self-paced instruction from home.
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
Sample Itinerary
* Exact itinerary will vary by session and location. Participants should reference the itinerary provided as part of their enrollment package
Day 1
- Connect with your WorldStrides team and Loop Abroad veterinarians as you kick off the week with welcome activities and orientation.
Day 2
- Discover the fascinating world of exotic wildlife mammals in your first lecture led by your veterinarian.
- Observe the unique behaviors of exotic and native species during your visit to Texas Zoo where you'll gain insight into animal communication, social interactions, and habitat-driven routines.
Food Preparation
- Prepare balanced and species-specific meals for zoo animals, learning how nutrition supports health, behavior, and enrichment.
Enclosure Maintenance and Management
- Maintain animal enclosures by cleaning, inspecting, and organizing habitats to ensure safety, hygiene, and comfort for each species.
Animal Enrichment
- Create engaging enrichment tools and activities that stimulate natural behaviors, promote mental well-being, and enhance the daily lives of zoo animals.
- 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
Practice Physical Exams
- Perform hands-on physical examinations to assess animal health, learning key techniques for evaluating vital signs, body condition, and overall wellness.
Positive Reinforcement Training
- Apply positive reinforcement methods to encourage desired behaviors, build trust and communication between animals and caregivers through reward-based training.
Food Preparation
- Prepare balanced and species-specific meals for zoo animals, learning how nutrition supports health, behavior, and enrichment.
Enclosure Maintenance and Management
- Maintain animal enclosures by cleaning, inspecting, and organizing habitats to ensure safety, hygiene, and comfort for each species.
Animal Enrichment
- Create engaging enrichment tools and activities that stimulate natural behaviors, promote mental well-being, and enhance the daily lives of zoo animals.
- Explore the ethical responsibilities of zoos, the principles of animal welfare, and the vital role zoos play in global conservation efforts during an engaging lecture led by your veterinarian.
- Learn essential bandaging techniques in a hands-on classroom session with your veterinarian, focusing on proper wound care, support, and stabilization methods used in clinical practice.
Day 4
- Discover the fundamentals of reptile care in an introductory session with your veterinarian, covering handling techniques, habitat setup, nutrition, and species-specific health considerations.
- Practice veterinary diagnostics and reptile physical exams with your veterinarian, building skills in species-specific care.
- Identify common parasites in a lab session with your vet, using microscopes to assess animal health.
Food Preparation
- Prepare balanced and species-specific meals for zoo animals, learning how nutrition supports health, behavior, and enrichment.
Enclosure Maintenance and Management
- Maintain animal enclosures by cleaning, inspecting, and organizing habitats to ensure safety, hygiene, and comfort for each species.
Animal Enrichment
- Create engaging enrichment tools and activities that stimulate natural behaviors, promote mental well-being, and enhance the daily lives of zoo animals.
- Design a creative enrichment project tailored to your assigned zoo animal, apply behavioral insights and presenting your plan to enhance welfare and stimulate natural behaviors.
Day 5
- Explore avian care basics through small group work focused on handling, nutrition, and health practices.
- Analyze radiographs with your vet to identify anatomy and spot clinical abnormalities.
- Perform rabbit physical exams with your veterinarian, focusing on gentle handling, health assessment, and species-specific care techniques.
- Prepare for your keeper talk by researching your assigned animal, organizing key facts, and developing a clear, engaging presentation to share with zoo visitors.
Day 6
- Present your keeper talk to zoo visitors, sharing engaging facts and stories about your assigned animal to educate and inspire public interest in wildlife care and conservation.
- Share insights into veterinary careers as your vet discusses job paths in animal medicine, the differences between capture-and-release and rehabilitation, and their role in wildlife care and conservation.
Enclosure Design Workshop
- Collaborate in small groups to design enriching animal enclosures, applying knowledge of species needs, behavior, and welfare.
Blood Cytology Lab
- Investigate blood samples in small groups with your veterinarian, learning to identify cell types and assessing animal health.
Day 7
- Students who have flights will be brought to the airport while all other students will wait to be picked up.
Moments That Matter
Capture the Magic of Your Veterinary Academy Experience
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
Safety Monitoring
Extensive Preparation
Local Support
What Students and Parents Are Saying
Your Questions Answered
How many veterinary hours will I earn, and how do I document them?
Students can earn up to 40 veterinary hours during the program, which is substantial for vet school applications. We provide official documentation at the end of the program that details your activities and hours, which can be submitted directly to VMCAS or individual veterinary schools.
What should I pack for the program?
We provide a comprehensive packing list upon enrollment, but key items include comfortable closed-toe shoes, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, notebook and pen, refillable water bottle, and any personal medications. All specialized equipment and lab materials are provided.
Is this program suitable for students who aren't sure about veterinary medicine?
Absolutely! This program is perfect for students exploring their options. You'll get authentic exposure to veterinary work, which will help you make an informed decision about whether this career path is right for you. Many students discover new interests or confirm their passion through this experience.
What safety measures are in place for working with animals?
Safety is our top priority. All animal interactions are supervised by experienced professionals, we maintain a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio, students receive safety training before any animal contact, and we follow strict protocols developed by zoo veterinarians and animal care specialists. Emergency medical care is always available on-site.
What level of animal experience do I need to participate?
No prior animal experience is required! Our program is designed for students at all levels, from complete beginners to those with some volunteer experience. Our expert instructors will meet you where you are and help you build skills progressively throughout the week.
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.