Inside the LBS Veterinary Internship: A Life - Changing Experience in Greece
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- Aug 7
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of gaining hands-on veterinary experience while making a real difference for animals in need, the Veterinary Internship Program at Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. (LBS) is for you. Based in Athens, Greece, our program offers practical shelter medicine training, exposure to global animal welfare practices, and the chance to work in a unique cage-free rescue environment that houses over 100 cats and several dogs.
What You’ll Experience as an Intern
Direct Animal Care
Assist with daily treatments, health checks, and enrichment activities for rescued cats. Learn how to maintain a stress-free, healthy environment for animals in a home-style shelter setting.
Clinical Exposure
Observe and assist with veterinary procedures at partner clinics, including spay/neuter surgeries, orthopedic repairs, and wildlife care. Gain insight into shelter medicine practices and field operations.
TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Missions
Join humane population control efforts and learn why TNR is essential to reducing the suffering of stray animals.
Animal Welfare Education
Understand the cultural, economic, and legal factors that shape animal welfare across different regions - an invaluable perspective for any future veterinarian.
Living the LBS Experience
Interns stay in our fully equipped rescue villa, sharing space with the very cats they care for. You’ll collaborate with an international team, gain leadership experience, and immerse yourself in Greek culture. During free time, explore Athens, beaches, historical landmarks, and nature trails - making this an unforgettable adventure.
What Makes This Program Special
✔ Hands-On Learning: Get practical experience, not just observation.
✔ International Perspective: Learn how veterinary medicine works abroad.
✔ Networking: Build relationships with vets and peers from around the world.
✔ Community Impact: Every task you perform helps save lives.
Hear From Our Interns
Joey Scudder-Barfield (Non-Profit Shelter Management Intern)
"My internship with Let’s Be SMART was truly a wonderful and eye-opening experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by the incredible team. As part of the non-profit shelter management program, I gained invaluable insight into animal welfare in Greece and the challenges nonprofits face. Meeting other organizations, learning about cultural differences, and sharing ideas was so rewarding. Accommodation was cozy, and living with sanctuary cats made it extra special! I’d absolutely recommend this internship to anyone looking for a unique and meaningful study-abroad opportunity."
Hana Henderson (Veterinary Intern)
"As a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Glasgow, I completed a one-week clinical placement with LBS. It was a highly hands-on experience that improved my surgical confidence and gave me a broader international perspective. I scrubbed into fracture repairs, assisted in multiple spays and neuters, and even worked with wildlife species. Every veterinarian I met was incredibly supportive and encouraging. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to grow clinically while gaining global veterinary knowledge."
Julia Pleasance (Veterinary Intern)
"I thoroughly enjoyed the vet internship program with LBS and would recommend it to any vet student looking to gain experience while traveling. During my two weeks, I participated in numerous surgeries, learned practical skills like injections and catheter placement, and joined a TNR mission. There was also plenty of time to explore Athens and enjoy Greece after work!"
Caroline Beutler (Veterinary Intern)
"I can absolutely recommend the internship at LBS. The program is very varied - from orthopedic surgeries to small animal practice and wildlife conservation. I learned so much and felt well-supported throughout my stay. These experiences will definitely help me in my veterinary career."
Ready to Start Your Journey?
For details on dates, program structure, and how to apply, visit:
👉 Vet Internship Program at LBS: https://www.letsbesmart-greece.org/internship-program
📧 Questions? Email us at: administration@letsbesmart.org
Turn your passion into purpose - and start your veterinary journey with LBS today.
Let’s be the change - let’s be S.M.A.R.T.
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