15 Veterinary Summer Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- May 10
- 11 min read
Summer camps for high school students are a practical way to explore academic interests while gaining early exposure to college-level learning and career pathways. These camps allow students to build hands-on skills, interact with professionals, and experience structured environments without committing to long-term academic programs.
How are summer camps different from summer programs in STEM?
Compared to many academic opportunities, summer camps for high school students are often shorter and more flexible, making them a relatively accessible way to explore a specialized field. They also help develop collaboration, independence, and problem-solving skills that are relevant across academic and professional settings.
What will I do in a veterinary summer camp for high school students?
For students interested in veterinary medicine, such camps provide exposure to animal care, clinical environments, and biological sciences. Participants may work with animals, observe procedures, or explore topics such as animal behavior, disease management, and welfare. These veterinary summer camps for high school students can help evaluate whether a veterinary career aligns with their interests while building relevant foundational skills.
Below is a list of 15 veterinary summer camps for high school students, curated based on rigor, selectivity, access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and institutional credibility.
Why should I do a veterinary summer camp in high school?
A veterinary summer camp offers early exposure to a specialized and demanding career path before committing to it academically. Students gain practical experience through activities such as animal handling, clinical simulations, and laboratory work, which provide insight beyond textbook learning. Many veterinary summer camps for high school students also connect participants with veterinarians, researchers, and peers, helping build an early professional network. From a college admissions perspective, participation demonstrates initiative and sustained interest in a specific field. Selective camps can signal academic readiness and commitment to STEM pathways. Fully funded or highly competitive opportunities may further strengthen your college application profile by indicating advanced exposure in a subject you’re passionate about!
15 Veterinary Summer Camps for High School Students
Location: Virtual (remote)
Cost: Varies by program | Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (summer, fall, winter, spring; options range from 12 weeks to 1 year)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous, mentor-led research experience designed for high school students seeking advanced academic engagement. In this program, you are paired 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor to conduct independent research in a subject area of your choice, including fields such as biology, psychology, computer science, or engineering. Over the course of the program, you will develop a research question, review academic literature, and apply appropriate methodologies to produce a structured research paper. The individualized mentorship model allows for in-depth exploration and continuous feedback, closely mirroring a university-level research environment. By the end of the program, you will have completed a polished, independent project that demonstrates subject mastery, analytical thinking, and research proficiency.
Location: Multiple international locations (e.g., Costa Rica, Caribbean, and other field sites)
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by location and program length)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts; moderately selective
Program Dates: Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Broadreach Veterinary Summer Camps offer an immersive, travel-based experience where you explore veterinary medicine through hands-on work with animals in real-world environments. During the camp, you will assist with animal care, observe veterinary procedures, and learn directly from veterinarians and animal care professionals in clinics, farms, wildlife centers, and conservation sites. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to practice skills such as animal handling, understanding anatomy, and evaluating animal behavior and welfare. In addition to technical exposure, you will explore diverse ecosystems and animal-care settings, gaining insight into global veterinary practices. Some camps also provide opportunities to earn service hours or academic credit, adding value to your academic profile
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Boston (in-person)
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective | Small classes (4–10 students)
Program Dates: 2-week summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling (multiple cohorts)
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Pathway (Veterinary Science track) is a short-term, intensive summer camp that introduces you to veterinary science through university-style teaching and practical exposure. You will attend small-group seminars led by academics from institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard, allowing for personalized instruction and in-depth discussion. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with applied experiences, such as dissections and case-based analysis, helping you understand animal anatomy, health, and treatment approaches. Throughout the camp, you will also participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions, where you receive feedback on your progress and academic interests. The program culminates in an independent project, enabling you to demonstrate your understanding of veterinary concepts while building research and presentation skills.
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA (in-person, residential)
Cost: $1000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Program Dates: May 31–June 6
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: High school students in 10th–12th grade | Must be 16+ and U.S.-based
UGA VetCAMP is an intensive, week-long veterinary summer camp designed to give you a realistic preview of veterinary medicine through hands-on and clinical exposure. During the camp, you will work in university-level facilities, including veterinary teaching hospitals, diagnostic labs, and specialized research centers, gaining insight into how veterinary care is delivered in professional settings. The curriculum includes practical activities, lab visits, and field experiences that help you understand animal health, diagnostics, and treatment processes. You will also explore the academic pathway to becoming a veterinarian, including admissions expectations, coursework, and career options within the field. The program emphasizes evaluating your readiness and interest in veterinary medicine, making it particularly valuable if you are considering a pre-vet track
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (in-person, residential)
Cost: $1,000 tuition (+ $30 application fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: June 7–12
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Buckeye Vet Camp at The Ohio State University is a residential summer camp designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to veterinary medicine and life as a veterinary student. Over one week, you will participate in mock lectures, clinical skills training, and laboratory sessions that mirror real veterinary coursework. The camp emphasizes hands-on learning, including suturing practice and applied clinical exercises. In addition to technical training, you will take part in team-building activities and a community service project, helping you develop collaboration and communication skills essential in veterinary practice. The program provides direct exposure to veterinary education environments, helping you better understand academic expectations and career pathways in the field.
Location: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, MA
Cost: $1,500 (April session) | $1,800 (summer session)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: April 21–24 | June 22–26
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 8
Eligibility: High school students in 9th–12th grade
The Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) High School Program at Tufts University is a week-long veterinary summer camp that combines hands-on clinical training with classroom-based learning. During the camp, you will work directly with animals on the Cummings School Farm, learning proper handling techniques and conducting basic physical examinations. The program also introduces core veterinary skills, including suturing, bandaging, interpreting X-rays, and performing clinical assessments on animals. A key component of the camp is access to Tufts’ advanced Simulation Lab, where you will practice techniques like intubation and ultrasound in a controlled, educational setting. You will also collaborate with peers to solve case-based medical challenges, reinforcing diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
Location: Hereford Veterinary Clinic, Hereford, TX (in-person)
Cost: $50
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (limited seats)
Program Dates: April 7
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (11th–12th grade)
The VSCP Food Animal Medicine Career Day Camp by Texas A&M AgriLife is a one-day veterinary summer camp focused on large-animal and livestock medicine, particularly cattle production. During the camp, you will gain hands-on experience in a working veterinary clinic, observing procedures and learning how veterinarians manage the health of food animals. The program also includes a visit to a local feedlot, giving you direct exposure to agricultural operations and herd management practices. You will interact with veterinarians and industry professionals, allowing you to ask questions and explore career pathways in food animal medicine. The camp is designed to provide a focused introduction to veterinary roles within agriculture, helping you understand the practical, economic, and ethical aspects of working with livestock.
Location: Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) | Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) | West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX)
Cost: $575–$750 (includes lodging, meals, and activities)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (~30 students per camp; ~300+ applicants total)
Program Dates: May 27–29 | June 23–25 | July 21–23
Application Deadline: March 1 (applications open in January)
Eligibility: Students entering 9th–12th grade (15+ required for some locations)
The VSCP Veterinary Science Overnight Summer Camps are intensive, short-term residential programs that provide hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine and animal science. Over three days, you will participate in clinical skill-building, laboratory activities, and classroom instruction, gaining practical insight into both small- and large-animal care. The program emphasizes real-world applications, exposing you to diverse areas such as diagnostics, research, and ambulatory veterinary practices. You will also develop technical competencies through guided training, with opportunities to earn clinical hours and practice a range of veterinary skills under professional supervision. Each location offers slightly different experiences depending on available facilities and access to animals, including exposure to livestock such as cattle and horses. The selective admissions process ensures a focused learning environment, making this camp particularly valuable if you are seriously considering a career in veterinary medicine or animal science.
Location: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (in-person; occasional partner sites)
Cost: ~$15
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Multiple sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students from grades 6–12
VetCamp at the University of Minnesota is a short-format, hands-on veterinary summer camp designed to introduce you to the field of veterinary medicine through interactive activities and simulations. Led by veterinary students, the camp offers a practical, approachable way to explore various veterinary careers while learning directly from those currently in training. During the camp, you will work through simulated clinical cases using model animals, participate in team-based problem-solving exercises, and explore topics such as animal toxicology and veterinary specializations. Activities like the “Careers Game” help you understand the range of roles within veterinary medicine, while dedicated Q&A sessions allow you to engage with veterinary students and gain insight into academic pathways.
Location: Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL (in-person, residential)
Cost: $1,300 (includes housing, meals, and activities)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: June 22–26
Application Deadline: Not specified (apply early)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–10th grade students
The Auburn University 9th & 10th Grade Veterinary Camp is a residential summer camp that provides an in-depth introduction to veterinary medicine through academic and hands-on experiences. During the camp, you will explore multiple areas of veterinary science, including public health, animal anatomy and physiology, surgery preparation, and research. The program includes exposure to a wide range of animals, including raptors, equine, dairy, beef, companion animals, and wildlife, giving you a broad understanding of veterinary practice across species. You will learn through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and outdoor settings, gaining practical insights into animal care and clinical techniques. In addition to academic sessions, the camp offers mentorship from veterinary professionals and opportunities to experience college life by staying in university dorms and participating in campus activities.
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (in-person, residential)
Cost: $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: July 6–10 | July 13–17
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: Current high school students in the U.S.
NC State’s VetCAMP is a five-day residential veterinary summer camp that provides a comprehensive introduction to careers in veterinary medicine through hands-on and campus-based learning. During the camp, you will tour the College of Veterinary Medicine and gain exposure to clinical environments, including small animal care settings. The program also includes practical experience with livestock, such as horses, sheep, and pigs, at NC State’s Animal Education Units, helping you understand large-animal veterinary practices. You will participate in skill-building activities, such as suturing and dissection labs, to develop foundational clinical competencies. In addition to technical training, the camp introduces you to academic pathways by exploring relevant majors and career options within veterinary science.
Location: Multiple U.S. college campuses
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by location and provider)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Program Dates: Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Students ages 12–17
The Veterinary Medicine Summer Camp is a multi-campus program designed to introduce you to veterinary science through hands-on learning and real-world exposure. During the camp, you will study animal anatomy, physiology, and disease while working directly with a wide range of animals, including companion animals, livestock, and exotics. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, with activities such as suturing, disease identification, and basic clinical care, helping you build foundational veterinary skills. You will also explore both small and large animal medicine, learning about diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies across species. The program integrates classroom instruction with field trips to veterinary clinics, nature centers, and animal care facilities, allowing you to observe professionals in action. In addition to technical knowledge, you will gain insight into animal welfare, ethics, and veterinary career pathways, making this camp a comprehensive introduction to the field.
Location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA (in-person, residential)
Cost: Free (fully funded by USDA APHIS partnership)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: Typically mid-July (2-week summer session; dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Typically spring (decisions released in May)
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17
The AgDiscovery program at Iowa State University is a fully funded veterinary summer camp that introduces you to careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related agricultural fields through hands-on learning. During the two-week residential camp, you will participate in laboratory exercises, including bacterial culture and diagnostic testing, as well as field visits to farms, conservation areas, animal shelters, and research facilities. The program integrates veterinary science with broader topics such as wildlife ecology and laboratory technology, providing a multidisciplinary understanding of animal health and management. You will learn directly from university faculty, government scientists, and industry professionals, gaining exposure to both academic and applied aspects of veterinary medicine. In addition to technical training, the camp includes team-building and professional development activities that strengthen collaboration and communication skills.
Location: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI (in-person; day and residential options)
Cost: One-Day Camp: $125 | Three-Day Camp: $400 | Overnight Camp: $750 (+ $25 non-refundable application fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Program Dates: Summer sessions (May–August; varies by format)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: One-day camp is open to campers 10 to 14 years old | Overnight camp session is open to campers 15 to 17 years old | One three-day camp session is open to campers 13 to 17 years old
The VetMed Summer Camp at Michigan State University is a hands-on veterinary summer camp that introduces you to a wide range of careers in animal health and science. Led by veterinary faculty and supported by current veterinary students, the camp offers interactive lab experiences where you explore topics such as animal anatomy, microbiology, radiology, and clinical care. You will engage directly with real-world veterinary concepts, gaining insight into how veterinarians and technicians work across settings such as clinics, farms, research labs, and wildlife environments. The program is designed to be immersive and sensory-driven, allowing you to observe, handle, and analyze different aspects of animal health. With both short-term day camps and longer overnight options available, you can choose a format that fits your schedule while still gaining meaningful exposure.
Location: Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS (in-person)
Cost: $125 (includes lunch and snacks)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (limited seats)
Program Dates: July 27–29
Application Deadline: September 15
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12; specific day assigned)
Vet Med ROCKS at Kansas State University is a one-day veterinary summer camp designed to give you a hands-on introduction to veterinary medicine through interactive labs and activities. During the high school session, you will engage with teaching animals and participate in workshops led by veterinary faculty, staff, and current DVM students. The camp emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to explore basic clinical concepts while gaining insight into animal care and veterinary practices. You will also receive exposure to career pathways in veterinary medicine through direct interaction with professionals and students in the field. The structured day includes lab activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to ask questions, making it a concise but informative experience.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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