Veterinary Academy: Equine Hospital to Zookeeper
New York & Massachusetts
Experience the best of both worlds as you transition from intensive equine medicine at a working veterinary hospital in upstate New York to comprehensive zoo medicine at the AZA-accredited Capron Park Zoo in Massachusetts. This two-week journey takes you from the specialized care of horses and large animals to the diverse world of exotic species and wildlife conservation.
Prepare for the future
- Working alongside teaching and staff veterinarians at Pine Bush Equine Services & Veterinary Hospital
- Learning about horse anatomy and practicing physical exams and bandaging techniques
- Participating in clinical lab rotations to practice skills like surgical prep, suturing, injection techniques, and diagnostic procedures
- Enjoying a field visit to a horse breeding facility where you’ll learn about breeding and reproductive health
- Working alongside teaching and staff veterinarians at the AZA-accredited Capron Park Zoo that is home to over 100 animals
- Participating in daily animal care rotations including food preparation, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment activities
- Learning about a diverse range of animals including birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals from African Lions to Red Pandas
- Researching and presenting your own Keeper Talk to zoo visitors on animal conservation topics
By attending Veterinary Academy: Equine Hospital to Zookeeper, you can earn up to 80 veterinary hours, a required part of every vet school application.
2026 Program Dates & Tuition
- 14 Days
- July 5-18
- $9,999
What’s Included
Transportation between program locations*
All meals
Comfortable accommodations
10:1 teaching vet-to-student ratio
Up to 80 veterinary hours
*Transportation to the first program location and home from the final program location is the responsibility of the participant
College credit is included with tuition. Students attending high school Veterinary Academy programs are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University. Credits are included in the cost of tuition and are awarded for successful completion of the program and credit requirements. Learn more.
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For the safety of students, staff, and animals, not all animals may be touched or handled by participants. The teaching veterinarian and other professional staff members will advise students of the proper time, place, and method to handle animals when it is safe to do so.