15 Vet Summer Programs for High School Students
Summer programs allow high school students to explore their academic interests while gaining early exposure to college-level learning. Veterinary summer programs for high schoolers emphasize practical training and mentorship from professionals. They can bridge your love for animals and industry requirements by showing you what a veterinary career would look like.
Why should I participate in a vet summer program in high school?
Vet summer programs for high school students expose you to diverse veterinary career paths, including companion animal care, wildlife medicine, zoology, and conservation science. You may work in a teaching hospital or research lab, learning practical skills like suturing, clinical diagnostics, and animal handling under the guidance of licensed professionals. Importantly, these programs give you a network of mentors, from current vet students to university faculty, who can provide the guidance to help you figure out your future academic and career paths. Mentors you meet through these programs can also give you recommendation letters that make your college applications stand out.
Below, we have curated a list of the 15 best vet summer programs for high school students, chosen for their academic rigor, quality of mentorship, and strong reputation.
1. University of Tennessee: Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP)
Location: UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 11
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 | Must be a legal resident of Tennessee and enrolled in a Tennessee high school or homeschooling program | Must be 16 years old
The Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP) at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is a six-week program that introduces you to veterinary medicine. You’ll spend five weeks shadowing professionals at a local veterinary practice, gaining exposure to clinical settings and daily veterinary work. The final week takes place on the University of Tennessee campus, where you’ll participate in lectures, lab sessions, and clinical rotations led by experienced faculty. Throughout the program, you’ll explore veterinary career pathways while building practical knowledge in diagnostics, clinical procedures, and the full scope of the veterinary profession.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students (10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks)
Ladder Internships is a selective, eight-week-long internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth startup. Ladder’s startups offer internships across several industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting, among others. In the program, you work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company at the end. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies, on average raising over a million dollars, are backed by Y Combinator, and have founders who have previously worked for the likes of Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
3. University of Minnesota: VetCamp
Location: University Of Minnesota, College Of Veterinary Medicine, MN
Cost: $15; need-based financial aid is available to waive the fee
Dates: Typically held 1–2 times per month throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
The VetCamp at the University of Minnesota offers high school students an introduction to veterinary medicine through interactive sessions. The program lets you participate in hands-on activities led by current veterinary students and work with simulated animals to explore basic veterinary cases. The experience also includes a Careers Game, which highlights different roles in veterinary medicine, and a Toxicology Board activity, demonstrating substances that are harmful to animals. Overall, VetCamp provides a practical and interactive way to learn about veterinary careers and gain early exposure to the field.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12-week to 1-year cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall
(September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students that offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs you with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from subjects such as animal science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper and become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Vet Explorations Program at Cornell University
Location: Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,940 per credit hour + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Session 1 (Online/Commuter only): June 1 – June 19; Session 2 (Residential/Online): June 21 – July 11; Session 3 (Residential/Online): July 12 – August 1; 6-Week Session: June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: Session 1: April 28; Session 2 & 6-Week: May 5; Session 3: June 2
Eligibility: Rising high school junior or senior; Online: At least 15 years old by the start of the session; Residential: At least 16 years old by the move-in date
If you’re interested in animal science, Cornell University’s Vet Explorations program offers a credit-bearing summer experience that lets you explore the profession. You will develop vital skills in scientific observation and clinical problem-solving by learning directly from Cornell’s world-class veterinary faculty. During the course, you’ll get hands-on with lab work, animal handling, and diagnostic exercises while shadowing experts to see how they treat patients. This unique insider access helps you master the communication and biology fundamentals required for the field. By exploring everything from basic health to complex clinical skills, you gain a realistic head start on your journey into veterinary medicine.
6. Tufts University: Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM)
Location: Grafton, MA (Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine campus)
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 (Summer Session); limited need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 22–26
Application Deadline: Late February/early March
Eligibility: Current high school students; must be 15–19 years old for residential options
In this program, you will explore topics ranging from clinical specialties like surgery and wildlife medicine to the rigors of the vet school admission process. You will engage in hands-on activities such as practicing suturing and bandaging, learning to read X-rays, and performing physical exams on dogs or farm animals. The program features a "diagnostic challenge," where you work in small teams to solve a real-world medical case under the guidance of current veterinary student mentors. Through these experiences, you will build technical skills in animal handling and clinical techniques while sharpening your critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
7. Colorado State University – SciVet Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University Main Campus, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Residential: $1,800; Commuter: $1,200; scholarships are available
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old by June 1
In this program, you will explore topics like wildlife research, equine-assisted therapy, and water quality while investigating how wolves and native bees impact our ecosystem. Throughout the week, you will engage in hands-on activities such as collecting data in the field, using professional lab tools, and practicing scientific illustration. The program features a "Science Trek" heritage, which combines field investigations with personal mentoring from university faculty and veterinary experts. By participating, you will develop essential skills in data analysis and laboratory safety while learning how to prepare a competitive application for vet school.
8. Vetmed WorldStrides Veterinary Academy High School Programs – Horses & Large Animals
Location: Pine Bush Equine Services & Veterinary Hospital, NY
Cost: $4,999; limited partial scholarships are available
Dates: July 5–11; July 12–18
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students
In this program, you will explore advanced topics like equine anatomy and reproductive health while studying the biosecurity needs of a working hospital. During your week on-site, you’ll get hands-on experience by performing physical exams on rescued horses, practicing suturing and bandaging in the lab, and shadowing actual orthopedic surgeries from anesthesia to recovery. You can earn up to 40 certified veterinary hours and college credit through George Mason University, all while working at a 10:1 student-to-vet ratio. By the end of the session, you will have mastered technical skills in hematology and clinical diagnostics, giving you a significant head start on your vet school applications.
9. Pre-Vet: Marine Animal Health and Veterinary Science
Location: Storrs, CT (Residential on-campus) with site visits/labs at Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, CT
Cost: $2,350; need-based financial aid and scholarships are available
Dates: June 21–27
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9, 10, or 11
In this program, you will explore topics ranging from marine mammal anatomy and physiology to the critical issues of conservation and zoonotic diseases. During the program, you will engage in hands-on activities such as learning animal handling techniques, assisting with clinical exams, and observing laboratory diagnostic procedures used for aquatic species. The program provides behind-the-scenes access to world-class aquarium facilities and direct mentorship from professional marine veterinarians. This immersive deep dive helps you determine if a career in the specialized world of marine animal health is the right fit for your future.
10. Purdue University: Boiler Vet Camp (Senior Camp)
Location: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: $1,600; limited scholarships are available
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall who are at least 12 years old
Purdue University’s Senior Boiler Vet Camp offers an intensive, seven-day residential preview of veterinary school life. You will dive into small animal wellness, exploring core topics like surgery, anesthesia, and the complexities of shelter medicine. You and your team will take ownership of a dog from a local humane society and conduct full physical exams, analyze bloodwork, and practice surgical scrubbing techniques in an operating room. A unique feature of this camp is its status as the only American Camp Association-accredited program of its kind, ensuring you receive high-level mentorship from actual Purdue veterinary faculty and students.
11. North Carolina State University: VetCAMP
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Day Campers $750/week; Overnight Campers: $750/week and an additional $250 for accommodation and meals + $28 application fee
Dates: Week 1: July 6–10; Week 2: July 13–17
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior who are U.S or U.S. Territories Residents and 15 years or older; should be first-time applicants
VetCAMP, run by the Veterinary Professions Advising Center at North Carolina State University, is a five-day summer program for students interested in veterinary medicine. During the camp, you tour the College of Veterinary Medicine, learn how a small animal clinic operates, and gain hands-on exposure to horses, sheep, and pigs at NC State’s Animal Education Units. You also participate in suture and dissection labs and explore NC State academic majors related to animal and veterinary sciences. The program is highly competitive and focuses on building early exposure to veterinary careers, animal science, and pre-veterinary preparation.
12. University of Missouri: Advanced Veterinary Academy
Location: University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Cost: $400
Dates: June 9–12
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are 16+ and have spent or are spending time job-shadowing a veterinarian, having a minimum GPA of 2.7
The Advanced Veterinary Academy is a four-day experience for high school students who want an early look at veterinary education. The program places you in an environment similar to vet school, combining classroom learning with clinical exposure. You take part in lectures alongside current veterinary students and explore key subjects such as anatomy, toxicology, radiology, and epidemiology. Beyond the classroom, you follow clinicians during hospital rounds and observe advanced medical cases and surgical procedures, helping you understand the pace, expectations, and responsibilities of veterinary training.
13. University of Georgia VetCAMP
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $1,000; limited partial scholarships may be available
Dates: May 31 – June 6
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school students between grades 10–12 who are 16 years old by the program start date
VetCAMP (Veterinary Career Aptitude and Mentoring Program) is a week-long summer experience at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine designed for students interested in veterinary careers. During the program, you participate in hospital tours, lab exercises, and field trips that introduce you to the variety of paths within veterinary science. The program also offers exclusive access to UGA’s diagnostic labs and the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, providing a behind-the-scenes view of veterinary practice. In addition, you will learn about veterinary school life, including admissions, coursework, and professional opportunities, from faculty and current students.
14. University of Florida – Gator Vet Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $1,200 + $25 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Rising 10th and 11th graders: June 8–13 | Rising 12th graders: June 22–27
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students residing in Florida
The Gator Vet Camp Summer Program is a one-week residential experience that gives high school students an in-depth introduction to veterinary medicine and animal science. During the program, you will explore the College of Veterinary Medicine, take part in clinical lab activities, and practice skills with guidance from faculty members and current veterinary students. It also introduces you to specialized areas such as wildlife medicine, large-animal care, and aquatic and fish health, offering a broader view of veterinary careers. With a strong focus on early exposure, skill development, and college preparation, the program serves as an accessible and practical pathway for students considering veterinary studies.
15. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension – Veterinary Science Camps
Location: Multiple affiliated universities in TX
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on camp, between $550 – $850; scholarships are available
Dates: Various three and four-day camps available in summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students
This camp offers rigorous training in both small and large animal science for high school students interested in veterinary careers. You will develop essential skills by practicing lab diagnostics, conducting physical exams across various species, and mastering cattle handling with a focus on chute safety. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from infectious diseases and nutrition to the techniques needed for professional animal restraint. A standout feature is the ability to earn clinical hours toward the Texas A&M AgriLife certificate, putting you on the path to becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant. By engaging in these practical treatments, you'll gain the foundational knowledge required for modern medical practice.
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