PreVet Programme
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-11
This programme provides students with a comprehensive African veterinary experience that builds both practical knowledge and a standout resume. The program is structured around three key areas: Small Animal Practice, Large Animal Practice, and Wildlife and Game Capture.
Small Animal Practice is divided into two components: Clinic and Community Outreach.

Community Outreach
Conducted in rural areas, this aspect is one of the most important, as South Africa has a large split in terms of socio economics, and as such, many people cannot afford to help their animals when it comes to their health. Safari4u visits townships regularly to assist in anti-parasite treatment (dipping and dosing), wound care, community education on handling and treatment of pets and animals, and follow-up treatments as needed.
Clinic Work
Done on a case-by-case basis and may involve observing a vet in the treatment of an animal under the care of our charity, East Coast Animal Care, or laboratory work, such as learning about microscope work through faecal floats, stains, etc. Lectures relevant to clinical work may also be hosted for topics such as Southern African diseases, suturing, CPR, and more.

Large Animal Practice involves the livestock and large animal aspect of veterinary work with animals. It includes working on commercial farms and in rural outreach areas. Animals such as cattle (beef and dairy), goats, sheep, pigs and horses are covered, and activities include dosing for endo- and ecto-parasites, artificial insemination, and pregnancy testing. Most of the work is done under the supervision of the farmer and our qualified staff, but if veterinarians are needed, they are either the farmer’s personal veterinarian or provided by the programme.
Wildlife and Game Capture consists of opportunities such as game captures, use of dart guns, darting with anti-parasitic drugs, wildlife identification, wildlife treatment, game counts, and captive animal care, including visits to captive facilities where students are given further lessons on handling (if appropriate), rescue and rehabilitation, husbandry, and common health issues of exotic animals and pets. During game captures immobilisation, sedation, and transport of African Wildlife is covered and controlled by a veterinarian. This component also brings forth issues such as conservation, captive animals, hunting, and the Five Freedoms.
Our programme has weekends free to explore the local area. All of our staff have travelled around the area, so if there is a particular activity you’re interested in, chat to us and we can recommend more. If you are continuing your travels, we can also recommend things further afield.
