12 Veterinary Summer Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 22
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Participating in a veterinary summer program during middle school can be an excellent way for you to explore an early interest in animals and science. These programs give you the chance to learn basic veterinary concepts, practice animal care techniques, and understand the importance of protecting animal health. Starting at a younger age helps you build foundational knowledge, strengthen problem-solving and observation skills, and develop a sense of responsibility.Â
You can also discover whether veterinary medicine or related fields might be a good fit for you, while gaining a head start before high school. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professionals and meet peers who share your passion for animals. We’ve narrowed down 12 veterinary summer programs for middle school students based on academic rigor, real-world experience, and strong networking opportunities.
12 Veterinary Summer Programs for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial Aid is available)
Application Deadline: Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link
Program Dates: 8-week sessions offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 to 8 can apply
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week virtual mentorship opportunity for middle school students to explore academic interests through one-on-one guidance. You’ll work closely with a mentor ,  typically a researcher or scholar from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, Duke, Stanford, or LSE ,  to develop a project in a subject area that interests you. The program is fully online and offers a structured yet flexible environment to explore topics in STEM, medicine, or other fields. It’s designed to support independent thinking and help you develop skills such as research, analysis, and problem-solving. Founded by Harvard alumni, the program also offers need-based financial aid for eligible participants. Over the course of the program, you’ll work toward completing a project while gaining insight into academic paths you may want to pursue in the future. For more information, please refer to the application in this brochure!
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: $150 (scholarships are available)
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Dates: July 7 –  July 8 | July 9  –  July 10
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 17
The 4-H Animal & Veterinary Science Camp at Michigan State University is a pre-college program that introduces middle and high school students to key topics in animal and veterinary science through hands-on activities. During the camp, you’ll learn basic veterinary techniques, study animal health, and explore topics like zoonotic diseases and diagnostic methods. Visiting MSU’s farms and research facilities provides hands-on insights into the daily work of veterinarians and animal scientists. The program aims to deepen your understanding of animal care and science while also helping you explore potential academic and career paths in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost:Â Varies depending on program type (need-based financial aid is available)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling
Program Dates:Â 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual learning experience designed for middle school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over the course of about 25 hours, you’ll be introduced to Python programming and core topics such as data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and the ethical considerations of AI. The program includes lectures and small group sessions, with a mentor-to-student ratio of 1:5. Toward the end, you’ll collaborate with a small team of peers to complete a hands-on project. Past projects have involved creating models to classify music genres or recommending educational resources based on user input. This program focuses on AI and data science rather than veterinary science, but students curious about how AI is applied in animal health and biology may still find it valuable. You can apply here.
Location:Â University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost:Â $15 (registration fee)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Program Dates:Â Multiple camps are held throughout the year, including summer.Â
Eligibility: High school students studying in grades 6–12.
VetCamp, organized by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, is a short, hands-on program for middle and high school students interested in veterinary science. Each 3-hour session offers practical activities such as working with simulation animals and exploring topics like toxicology. You can select from different modules based on your interests. While sessions are available throughout the summer, additional camps are held in the fall and spring semesters. This program is best suited for students who already have some background in veterinary topics and want to build on that foundation through focused, skill-based learning.
Location: Gann/Bentley, Waltham, MA
Cost: $699
Application Deadline: Open enrollment until seats are full
Program Dates: July 28  –  August 1
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Pet Medicine program at the Boston Leadership Institute is a one-week hands-on experience for middle and high school students interested in veterinary care. You’ll learn pet anatomy using models, practice basic exams, and explore common health issues in different dog breeds. Activities include diagnosing illnesses, selecting treatments, performing first aid, and analyzing X-rays and MRIs. A key part of the program is the mock well-pet visit, where you’ll check vitals, give vaccines, and present findings to a simulated pet owner. It’s a focused way to explore the daily work of veterinarians in both clinical and lab settings.
Location:Â Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY
Cost:Â Free
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Program Dates:Â Varies by program
Eligibility:Â Current middle school students
The NYS 4-H Animal Science Program, offered by Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science, provides middle school students with a hands-on introduction to veterinary science and animal care. If you’re interested in working with animals, this program covers key areas such as physiology, nutrition, and basic veterinary topics. You’ll work with a range of animals, from livestock such as cows, goats, and horses to pets like dogs and rabbits. Under the guidance of Cornell educators and industry professionals, you’ll develop practical skills and learn how veterinary science links to agriculture and animal health.
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $650 per session (including lunch); Need-based scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Session 1: Insect and Pollinator Behavior (July 8  –  July 12) | Session 2: Engineering Rockets (July 22  –  July 26)
Eligibility: Rising grade 6–8 students
Wildcat Science Camp at Northwestern University offers middle school students hands-on learning in biology and engineering. While not solely centered on veterinary topics, the camp offers animal-related sessions, such as Insect and Pollinator Behavior, that may interest aspiring veterinarians. In this session, you’ll study insect behavior and their role in pollination, gaining a better understanding of ecosystems through experiments and observation. The Engineering Rockets session allows you to design and build water-bottle rockets, learning about physics and engineering concepts. Both sessions involve project-based work in Northwestern’s labs, providing you with practical experience in scientific methods and problem-solving. You can register for either or both camps here!
Location: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine campus, Grafton, MA
Cost: $850
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Students who have entered 7th or 8th grade
The Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Middle School program offers a week-long introduction to veterinary science for students interested in the field. Through a mix of hands-on activities and classroom sessions, you’ll learn about different areas of veterinary medicine from Tufts faculty, staff, and vet students. You’ll gain hands-on experience with animals at the Cummings School Farm, learning safe handling and how to perform physical exams. The program also covers skills such as bandaging, suturing, reading x-rays, and conducting clinical exams on dogs. Additionally, you’ll practice intubation in the Simulation Lab and collaborate with others to solve a medical case, providing a deeper understanding of veterinary work.
Location: College Station, TX (for the middle school day camps)
Cost: $125 (for the middle school day camps)
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 1-day camps from June 16 – 19
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Texas A&M’s Veterinary Science Camps offer day programs for middle school students interested in animal care and veterinary science. There are two in-person camps for middle school students, one centered on equine (horses) and the other on bovine (cattle). These camps typically cover fundamental animal handling, healthcare practices, and an introduction to large animal veterinary work. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and takes place on-site at College Station in Texas, giving you the chance to engage in hands-on learning and explore veterinary science in a focused setting.
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: TBA; check here for updates.
Application Deadline:Â TBA
Program Dates:Â Day-long camp; exact dates TBA
Eligibility:Â Open to middle and high school students
This program at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine gives middle school students a chance to explore what it’s like to be a veterinarian. You’ll tour the Veterinary Medical Center, learn about the path to veterinary school, and get hands-on experience with real veterinary skills. Activities include practicing basic surgical techniques, studying anatomy, exploring clinical pathology, and working with radiology tools. Taught by veterinary students, the program offers a realistic introduction to the profession and helps you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinarian.
Location: Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
Cost: Overnight: $5,995 | Day: $3,695 | Course Fee: $275
Program Dates:
Session 1: Overnight: June 29  – July 12 | Day: June 30  –  July 11
Session 2: Overnight: July 13 – 26 | Day: July 14 – 25
Eligibility:Â Open to middle school students
The Veterinary Science Focus program at EXPLO provides middle school students with a hands-on introduction to animal care and veterinary work. You’ll work with real animals and professionals to learn essential skills like checking vital signs, suturing wounds, splinting limbs, and performing pet CPR. The program includes experiences with both domestic and large animals. You’ll practice medical evaluations on cats and dogs, read X-rays, and use ultrasound tools. Field trips include visits to a zoo, an equine center, and a wildlife rehab facility, where you’ll observe care for animals like horses, raccoons, and birds. It’s a practical introduction to the daily work of veterinarians and animal care specialists.
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: $1,300
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: June 8 – 14
Eligibility: Students entering 8th and 9th grade
The Junior Boiler Vet Camp at Purdue University provides middle school students with a practical introduction to veterinary medicine. Participants will handle various animals, such as dogs, cats, cows, pigs, horses, and fish, gaining insights into how veterinarians diagnose and treat different species. Activities include dissecting animal organs, exploring animal nutrition, and observing procedures like endoscopy and necropsy. You’ll also visit a dairy and pig farm, a zoo, and watch a horse run on a treadmill to learn about equine health. The camp combines practical skills, animal science, and real-world veterinary experiences, providing a broad view of the field.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. 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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